Support from LEADER expanding across Sweden

Each edition of the LEADER newsletter will feature a “what’s happening with LEADER in …” story. This first edition is dedicated to the EU Member State that is currently holding the Presidency of the European Union, Sweden. We would like to thank the Swedish CAP Network for its help with preparing this article.

LEADER is well established in Sweden and many lessons have been learned during its 30+ years of achievements. Reflections during Sweden’s preparations for the new 2023-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) concluded that the national arrangement of Local Action Group (LAG) territories could be further optimised. This led to the 48 (Managing Authority approved) LAGs of the past being reduced to a more simplified critical mass of 40 LAGs, which together offer LEADER support to more of rural Sweden’s territory and population than in the 2014-2022 programming period. LAG support will now cover 74% of the rural population, as compared to 57% in the last period.

A goal driving this LEADER development is to gain impact. By helping more people to become involved, more possibilities emerge to power and enhance the bottom-up policy instrument. It boosts the potential and quality of LEADER by both injecting and embracing more ideas and perspectives. Outcomes help make LEADER more available in Sweden.

Focus on CAP

Another development in Sweden’s approach to LEADER in the new CAP is the focus on the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and a shift away from multi-funding. Given the administrative complexity in relation to the available budget for multi-funds, Sweden chose to use only CAP funding for LAGs in the new programming period (2023-2027). This includes LEADER being an important resource for implementing the Rural Action Plan and Rural Pact in Sweden within the long-term vision for rural areas.

National and EU networking will continue to be a strength of LEADER in Sweden. Deeper cooperation between the LAGs and their project beneficiaries as well as between the institutional stakeholders is underway. Joined-up work by the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) Managing Authority, Paying Agency, National Network and National LEADER Network is introducing new one-stop-shop LEADER facilities covering the institutions’ LEADER support. A multipurpose website will be the shop window and knowhow sharing hub for everyone in Sweden. Addressing target group needs among LEADER beneficiaries, LAG staff and national coordinators, this web platform will also showcase inspiring good practices and host new capacity tools.

Cooperation will help the institutions involved to work closer together and better understand each other’s perspectives. This is also happening in the context of the EU Presidency as part of a flagship event, the ‘Rural Week’ from 2-7 May, which is being run by Swedish LEADER partners. Events are being organised online and offline to help the LAGs attract national interest in their local development strategies and to provide a useful opportunity to exchange experiences. A keynote international conference on Rural Pact matters is planned as part of the Rural Week. Here, participants will build capacity to boost cooperation as part of LEADER’s core aim of community-led innovation by networking rural researchers with regional development bodies and local governments.

You can contact the Swedish CAP Network for more information about the country’s new, wider LAG Network and all these other innovations in LEADER’s developments throughout Sweden.