0 The Netherlands: Implementation of axis 3 in practice Erik Mulleneers, Policy Coordinator Rural Development Programme, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Netherlands

1 Contents 1.Basic information, facts and figures 2.Goals and content of axis 3 in the Dutch RDP 3.Implementation of axis 3

2 Basic facts and figures (1): The Netherlands: 12 provinces

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4 Basic facts and figures (1): The Netherlands: 12 provinces Population; total 16.3 mln; average population density of 480/km2, varying per province from 183 – 1229 persons/km2; highest concentrations in the West and South. Average income is one of the highest in the EU; higher in western and central provinces; lower in northern and southern provinces.

5 Population rural areas (incl. towns up to inhabitants): about 6 mln. Peri-urban character of most rural areas in NL: need of the multifunctional use of rural areas. Economic importance of agriculture diminishes; other economic functions (e.g. tourism, recreation) become more important Basics (2): Developments in rural areas in NL

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7 Population rural areas (incl. towns up to inhabitants): about 6 mln. Peri-urban character of most rural areas in NL: need of the multifunctional use of rural areas. Economic importance of agriculture diminishes; other economic functions (e.g. tourism, recreation) become more important Basics (2): Developments in rural areas in NL

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14 Basics (3): Main concerns in rural areas 1.Urban pressure: Beauty and variety of (agricultural) landscapes Environment (soil, water, air) and biodiversity Opportunities for recreation 2.Socio-economic development: Competitiveness agricultural sector Regional/local socio-economic problems: employment, housing, basic facilities Challenge: simultaneously -stimulate economic activity (incl. agriculture), -preserve quality of the environment and landscapes, -and enhance the quality of life in rural areas.

15 Public policy making concerning rural areas is decentralised: the 12 provinces as the directors of policy in rural areas. Provincial policies for rural areas in multi-annual provincial programmes , partly based on commitments (towards central government) Financing of provincial policies in the programmes: - autonomous provincial funds; - transferred, earmarked funds from central government; - financing in the RDP (= only a very limited source of funding!). Basics (4): Public policy in rural areas in NL

16 1 Rural Development Programme (POP2); 24 measures in four axes. POP2: co-production of central government and the provinces Managing Authority (MA): Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality Paying Agency (PA): Government Service for Land and Water Management (DLG) An important role of the provinces in the RDP: Leading in drawing up the RDP for axes 3, 4 and partly 1; implementing almost 90% of the RDP-budget (axes 2, 3, 4 and partly 1). Basics (5): the NL Rural Development Programme

17 Basics (6): Breakdown total RDP-budget , incl. estimates for private investments. Total: 2.2 bln (EAFRD-contribution = mln)

18 Objectives and content axis 3 (1): Objectives Diversifying the rural economy: stimulating new economic activities Support the multifunctional use of rural areas, and by doing so: increase welfare and quality of life of rural and urban population! Strengthen and use the intrinsic value of rural areas: natural and cultural values, openness of the landscape, stillness.

19 Objectives and content axis 3 (2): context and approach Implementing axis 3 in the context of the provincial seven year programmes: Area focussed: problems of specific areas are starting point; Long term approach; Integral approach: problems and solutions in their context; In cooperation with partners: * other governments (water boards, municipalities) * Non-governmental organisations * Local action groups

20 -Most measures of axis 3 regulation 1698/2005 provides, have been chosen in the RDP. -Because of: the regional differences in NL, which ask for different measures in different parts of the country; the differences in provincial objectives and policies chosen. -Every province implements those measures which help best solve the problems in that province and attain the provincial goals. Objectives and content axis 3 (3): measures

21 Objectives and content axis 3 (4): money: breakdown budget axis 3

22 -RDP contains provisions about demarcation axis 3 and SF. Basic rule: project financing from two funds is forbidden. -Actions in RDP and Operational Programme SF differ in general quite fundamentally. In general RDP-projects in axis 3: rather small scale projects; large scale projects in SF. -For those situations where overlap is possible: detailed provisions per measure in the RDP to prevent double financing Objectives and content axis 3 (5): Demarcation with Structural Funds

23 Implementation of axis 3 (1): EU-conformity Implementation through provincial regulations based on the provincial multi-annual programmes. Provincial regulations approved by Management Authority. Provincial decisions on individual subsidies examined beforehand by Paying Agency. If not EU-conform: positive decision not possible!

24 Implementation of axis 3 (2) : Division of roles ActionActor Project initiation Applicant Project appraisal Province Check EU conformityPA Decision Province* Project executionApplicant Progress monitoringProvince Payments PA Monitoring/evaluation resultsMA/Monitoring Committee (MC) Control PA Technical Service * Approved projects are registered in the administrative system of the PA

25 Implementation of axis 3 (3) : National coordination -General Coordination: regular meetings with all parties involved in RDP (MA, central government, provinces, PA, Coordinating Body) -Working group on interpretations (representatives MA, provinces, PA) -Detailed agreements on funding (EAFRD, co-financing and top ups) per province, per measure annually monitoring and adjustments. -Judgments of MA and MC -Help Desk of the Regiebureau POP

26 Implementation of axis 3 (4) : perspective of the user/applicant:a short manual 1.Read: multi-annual programme and regulation of your province. Contact your province for more information if you are not sure. 2.Fill in application form and send it to your province. 3.Wait for decision while Province and PA check whether the application for the project plan fulfils the criteria, is EU- conform (and check if there is enough money).

27 4.If positive decision: execute the project plan in line with the decision! 5.Send in evidence of project results and correct project realisation. 6.Wait for the outcome of check by province and Paying Agency 7.If correct: you get your money from the PA! If not: give additional information. 8.Be prepared for administrative and on-the-spot checks; keep relevant information about your project and maintain the investment.

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30 Thank you for your attention!