On November 11, 2024, a workshop on Establishment of LEADER Networks of the Common Agricultural Policy Network of Turkey was held in Ankara. Representatives of Local Action Associations established in 26 provinces participated in the meeting.
The program started with the opening speech of Mr. Hasan Hüseyin HAN, Head of Department of the European Union Management Authority. Mr. Hasan Hüseyin HAN stated that the implementation of the LEADER Measure, whose accreditation was completed within the scope of the IPARD Program, started in 2019 and that our Local Action Associations, including public, private sector and non-governmental organizations, continue their activities in 26 provinces. He emphasized the importance of Turkey being the first country to implement the LEADER Measure, which adopts a bottom-up approach, among the European Union Candidate Countries. He ended his speech by giving the good news that the LEADER measure will also be implemented throughout the country within the scope of the IPARD III program. In the meeting, Dr. Selda COŞKUN, General Coordinator of Project Services of the Agriculture and Rural Development Support Institution made a speech and Mr. Adnan ZENGİN, Head of Department from the Ministry of Interior General Directorate of Relations with Civil Society, gave information about the legislation of the Association.
Afterwards, the CAP Network Working Group Officer Dr. Şenay SEVENGÖR gave information on the structure of the Common Agricultural Policy Network in Turkey. The Local Development Strategy content to be prepared by our Local Action Associations under the IPARD III program was evaluated. The meeting was concluded with the self-evaluation of our Local Action Associations and question and answer session.