Rural Economy Research Centre - Estonian Rural and Fishery Network Unit in Estonia Ave Bremse Rural Network Unit Bureau 16. May 200 8, Riga

History of Establishment National Rural Network Unit - in Estonia 1. The activities of the National Network Unit will be implemented step by step and be completed by 31 December April Estonian NNU started its activity at Rural Economy Research Centre in Jäneda – as non-structural unit.

2008 ● 01. January 2008 – Estonian Rural Network department non-structural departement at Rural Economy Center ● 01. April 2008 – officcial establishment of Estonian Rural and Fishery Network department at Rural Economy Center. ● Department consit of: ● 1. Bureau of Rural Network Unit ● 2. Bureau of Fishery Network Unit

Financing ● Rural Network Unit financed of the ERDP technical assistance  implementation of its action plan shall not exceed EUR per year  management cost of the Network shall not exceed 25% of the total budget of the Network.

The aims of Estonian Rural Network Unit ● to support rural development & LEADER activities organise meetings, round-table discussion and trainings ● create website and data-base of experts ● exchange of information on local, Estonian and the EU level. ● supports co-operation initiatives ● handbooks and other informative materials

Objectives and functions ● to produce value added for the ERDP implementation, incl. for the involvement of beneficiaries and other parties interested in rural development. ● The main objective of the Network is to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience on Estonian level ● The activity of the Network contributes to the exchange of information on local, Estonian and the EU level.

Completing the structure of the Network in 2008 Structure: 1. Rural Network Unit for the administration 2. The Rural Network Chamber for Co-operation ● Sectorial working groups for 1-, 2- and 3- Axes and LEADER 1. - for assembling different interested rural actors to ensure co-operation between the associations and organisations representing the ERDP beneficiaries and the bodies involved. (twice a year) ● - technical assistance for internal and trans-national co-operation

Fishery Bureau ● National network of fisheries action groups - to offer support for initiating cooperation etc. ● The national network financed from the financial resources of the EFF’s technical assistance. ● activities of the network will be implemented and will be completed by 31 December 2008.

Activities in 2007 ● Establishment and technical preparation ● First activities focused to Leader in Estonia 1. Seminars, international conference, expertises and consultations for LAG-s, handbook, website 2. Some events and cooperation also with beneficaries of 1- and 2- axes. ● International relations

NNU Events in 2007 ● Total number of organised events - 16 days (270 participants) ● Number of seminar days for LAG’s – 11 ● Leader information events:  in Estonian Farmers Day (July 2007)  infoday for potential new municipalities (October 2007)  network seminar for rural actors  Leader-strategy seminars for LAG’s (3x 2- days + eveluation seminar Sept-Nov 2007)

NNU Events in 2007 (2) ● International Leader Conference (co-operation with 2 Estonian LAGs) in Pärnu – “Leader – organisation or project?” ( Nov 2007) ● Number of different LAG’s events participated by NNU specialsts – 25 ● Participation in International events – 7 ● Handbook for “Leader strategy principles” with cooperation of Ministry of Agriculture (printed and webside version) ● Preparation of different handouts and infomaterials in NNU website.

Team: ● National Rural and Fishery Network Department: ● Krista Kõiv, Director ● Ester Valdvee, Specialist of Events ● Rural Network Bureau: ● Ave Bremse, Specialist of Leader Foreign Affairs ● Meeri Klooren, Specialist of Media ● Fishery Network Bureau: ● Jaak Sadul, Specialist

Address: ● Jäneda, Tapa vald Lääne- Virumaa, Estonia ● Fax ●