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.