155 Local Action Groups Launch Rural Development Activities Across Türkiye under IPARD III
Under the IPARD III Programme implemented by our Directorate General as the IPARD Managing Authority, 155 Local Action Groups (LAGs) established across 60 provinces and operating in 194 districts have officially launched their field activities in line with their Local Development Strategies. Through training programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, preservation of cultural heritage, promotion of local products, capacity-building activities, and social awareness campaigns, the LAGs are actively contributing to rural development throughout Türkiye. The activities carried out in different regions of the country demonstrate how the LEADER approach is being translated into practical actions through local cooperation and participatory governance.
Sustainable Goals for Rural Development
The activities implemented by the Local Action Groups continue at full pace with the objectives of identifying local needs, revitalising rural economies, preserving cultural heritage, supporting entrepreneurship, and encouraging the active participation of all segments of society in the rural development process.
Çanakkale – Ayvacık LAG: Youth Education and Traditional Handicrafts
The Ayvacık Local Action Group Association in Çanakkale organised a drug addiction awareness programme for young people under the theme "My Future is Clean". In addition, as part of Lifelong Learning Week, the association delivered training aimed at preserving traditional local handicrafts, including cecim rug weaving, belt weaving, and traditional sash weaving.
Kastamonu – Azdavay Daday LAG: Knowledge Exchange and Study Visits
Within the framework of its Local Development Strategy, the Azdavay Daday Local Action Group Association organised a "Study Visit to Model Entrepreneurship Sites," enabling participants to observe successful rural development initiatives firsthand while promoting knowledge and experience sharing.
Adıyaman – Gerger LAG: Beekeeping Training and Rural Production
The Gerger Local Action Group Association in Adıyaman organised a technical training programme for local beekeepers to enhance their knowledge and production capacity, thereby contributing to the strengthening of rural production.
Manisa – Gölmarmara LAG: Promotion, Project Management and Tourism Development
The Gölmarmara Development Local Action Group Association participated in the Traditional Vine Leaf Festival, where it promoted both the LEADER approach and the region's local values to visitors. The association also organised project cycle management and entrepreneurship training for its managers, staff and members. Furthermore, tourist information and directional signs were installed at key attractions to support the district's tourism potential.
Şanlıurfa – Halfeti Black Rose Workshop: Preserving Natural and Cultural Heritage
The Halfeti Black Rose Workshop, organised to preserve, develop and promote the famous black rose of Halfeti—one of Şanlıurfa's most distinctive symbols—provided an important platform for safeguarding the region's natural and cultural heritage and ensuring its sustainable transmission to future generations.
Bursa – İznik LAG: Youth Entrepreneurship and Value-Added Production
The İznik Local Action Group Association organised a training programme focusing particularly on young entrepreneurs, providing comprehensive information on local product cultivation, branding, value addition and supply chain management with the aim of strengthening rural entrepreneurship.
Karabük – Yenice LAG: Promoting Rural Development through the Off-Road Festival
The Yenice Local Action Group Association participated in the Yenice Off-Road Festival, where it introduced visitors to the LEADER approach and the activities of the Local Action Group while promoting the region's rural development initiatives.
Burdur – Kemer Karamanlı LAG: Gastronomy, E-Commerce and Institutional Capacity
The Kemer Karamanlı Local Action Group Association enhanced the visibility of the region's gastronomic heritage through the publication of the "KAMERİM Local Products Catalogue" and a promotional film showcasing local products. The association also organised e-commerce training for producers and women's cooperatives to strengthen their digital marketing capacities. In addition, capacity-building programmes were delivered to the association's staff, board members and members, providing further knowledge on the LEADER approach and institutional management.
Samsun – Ondokuzmayıs LAG: Stakeholder Engagement and Aronia Cultivation
The Ondokuzmayıs Local Action Group Association introduced the LEADER approach and the IPARD III Programme to regional stakeholders during its opening and information meeting, while also presenting its annual activity plan to the public. Furthermore, the association organised training on aronia cultivation and product diversification to promote value-added agricultural production within the district.
Uşak – Sivaslı LAG: Children's Festival and Social Inclusion
The Sivaslı Local Action Group Association organised a Children's Festival featuring various social and cultural activities, contributing to the strengthening of the social dimension of rural life and enhancing community engagement.
LEADER Approach Bringing Rural Communities Together
The activities carried out by the Local Action Groups clearly demonstrate the practical implementation of the core principles of the LEADER approach—participation, cooperation, innovation and the mobilisation of local potential. Covering a broad spectrum of activities ranging from education and entrepreneurship to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of local products, these initiatives continue to support the economic, social and cultural development of rural areas throughout Türkiye.