The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) brought together representatives from across Europe and Central Asia in Tartu, Estonia, to explore how the LEADER approach can support sustainable agrifood systems transformation and rural development.
The technical workshop, held on 3–4 June 2026 in collaboration with the Tartu County Development Association, focused on sharing experiences and improving the implementation of LEADER, a community-led approach that empowers rural areas to design and deliver local development solutions.
Participants from Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine discussed how local action plans can help address key rural challenges, including youth migration, economic diversification and sustainable food production.
FAO highlighted that rural development and food systems transformation are closely connected. By encouraging cooperation among communities, governments and local organizations, the LEADER approach can help create more resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.
Estonia hosted the workshop due to its strong experience with LEADER programmes. Since joining the European Union in 2004, the country has developed an effective system based on active local action groups, simplified procedures and transparent project management.
During the event, participants visited rural projects supported by local funding initiatives in Tartu. The field visit demonstrated how small-scale investments and community-led actions can generate meaningful improvements for rural economies and local communities.
FAO is currently supporting Albania and Montenegro in introducing and strengthening the LEADER approach. For countries moving toward European Union accession, this support helps align rural development policies with EU standards while improving local participation and institutional capacity.
A study tour involving representatives from Albania, Georgia and Montenegro also provided practical insights into Estonia’s approach to managing, monitoring and delivering LEADER programmes.
The workshop reinforced the importance of community-driven solutions in building sustainable agrifood systems and creating stronger rural futures across Europe and Central Asia.
