The LEADER/CLLD program (Community-Led Local Development) is a specialized funding tool for rural and semi-urban areas within the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. It is financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and represents at least 5% of its resources.
The program is implemented through Local Action Groups (LAGs), composed of public and private sector representatives from each area. LAGs design "bottom-up" local development strategies that leverage local advantages.
Subsidies reach up to 80% depending on project nature and area. Maximum project budget is €300,000 (or €400,000 for agricultural production processing units). For training actions, subsidies can reach 100%.
LEADER 2023-2027 supports actions for strengthening the local economy, rural infrastructure, social inclusion, sustainable development, and climate change adaptation.
Who is this for
LEADER targets farmers, agricultural enterprises, agri-food processing units, tourism businesses in rural areas, and local development bodies. Ideal for agritourism, local products, artisan crafts, and rural services businesses.
Key Benefits
High Aid Rates
Subsidies up to 80% for private investments and up to 100% for training actions in rural areas.
Local Adaptation
Bottom-up strategies designed to match the real needs of each area.
Agricultural Processing
Support for agricultural product processing units with budgets up to €400,000 per project.
Agritourism
Funding for agritourism activities, rural accommodations, and cultural heritage initiatives.
Multi-Fund Financing
Ability to combine resources from EAFRD, ERDF, ESF+, and EMFAF for greater impact.
How It Works
Area & Eligibility Assessment
We check whether your business location falls within an eligible LEADER area and if your activity qualifies.
Project Design
We design your project in alignment with the LAG's local development strategy.
Submission & Evaluation
We prepare and submit the file to the Local Action Group. We provide support at every evaluation stage.
Implementation & Disbursement
We monitor project execution, maintain publicity obligations, and submit payment requests.
LEADER FAQ
Eligible areas are rural and semi-urban zones defined by Local Action Groups in each prefecture. Generally, it covers areas outside major urban centers. Contact us to check if your area is eligible.
Maximum eligible budget is €300,000 (or €400,000 for agricultural product processing). With aid rates up to 80%, the maximum subsidy reaches €240,000-€320,000.
It funds agricultural product processing, agritourism, artisan crafts, local products, social inclusion actions, training, and rural infrastructure.
A LAG is a public-private partnership at the local level. No single sector can hold more than 49% of voting rights. The LAG designs the development strategy and evaluates applications.
Evaluation is conducted locally by the LAG and usually completes within 3-6 months. Timing depends on the number of applications and project complexity.
Leverage LEADER for Your Area
Contact us to check if your area and activity qualify for LEADER funding.