LOCAL ACTION GROUPS AS A STIMULATING FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS IN POLAND

Abstract

Paper is describing the role of public sector especially the local government and institution and local organization - LAG’s, The author analyzed the experiences of Leader project in EU and shows that the initiative is an efficient method of involving local communities in the process of co-deciding and implementation of a strategies for the development of rural areas. The initiative is an important way to the revitalization and transformation of the Polish village. Local Action Groups (LAGs) are made up of public and private partners from the rural territory, and must include representatives from different socio-economic sectors. They receive financial assistance to implement local development strategies, by awarding grants to local projects. They are selected by the managing authority of the Member State, which is either a national, regional or local, private or public body responsible for the management of the programme. Is very important that each development plan must be structured around one of themes: the use of know-how and new technologies to make the products and services of rural areas more competitive, improving the quality of life in rural areas and adding value to local products, in particular by facilitating access to markets for small production units via collective actions and making the best use of natural and cultural resources.