PART IISPECIFIC PROVISIONS

TITLE IVRURAL DEVELOPMENT COMPONENT

CHAPTER IObject of assistance and eligibility

Section 1Object of assistance

Article 171Areas and forms of assistance

1

Assistance under this component shall contribute to achieving the following objectives:

a

improving market efficiency and implementation of Community standards;

b

preparatory actions for implementation of the agri-environmental measures and local rural development strategies;

c

development of the rural economy.

2

Assistance covering the objective set out in point (a) of paragraph 1, hereinafter referred to as ‘priority axis 1’, shall be granted through the following measures:

a

investments in agricultural holdings to restructure and to upgrade to Community standards;

b

support for the setting-up of producer groups;

c

investments in the processing and marketing of agriculture and fishery products to restructure those activities and to upgrade them to Community standards.

3

Assistance covering the objective set out in point (b) of paragraph 1, hereinafter referred to as ‘priority axis 2’, shall be granted through the following measures:

a

actions to improve the environment and the countryside;

b

preparation and implementation of local rural development strategies.

4

Assistance covering the objective set out in point (c) of paragraph 1, hereinafter referred to as ‘priority axis 3’, shall be granted through the following measures:

a

improvement and development of rural infrastructure;

b

diversification and development of rural economic activities;

c

improvement of training.