Action Plan 2011 - 2015 - Rural Development Network of Serbia

8/3/2019 Action Plan 2011 - 2015 - Rural Development Network of Serbia

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RURALDEVELOPMENTNETWORKOFSERBIA

ActionPlan 2011 - 2015


ACTIONPLAN2011-2015


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December 2010

Content:

1 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................41.1 BACKGROUND..........................................................................................................................................41.2 REVIEWOFMETHODOLOGY.........................................................................................................................41.3 ACTIONPLANASAFRAMEWORKOFACTION.....................................................................................................5

2 RURALDEVELOPMENTNETWORKOFSERBIA..........................................................................................53 CONTEXTOFNETWORKSACTIONS.........................................................................................................73.1 RURALDEVELOPMENTPOLICYINTHEEU........................................................................................................73.2 EURURALDEVELOPMENTPOLICYAIMEDATTHECANDIDATECOUNTRIES................................................................93.3 RURALAREASOFSERBIA...........................................................................................................................103.4 RURALDEVELOPMENTPOLICYINTHEREPUBLICOFSERBIA................................................................................123.5 RURALDEVELOPMENTATTHELOCALLEVELINSERBIA......................................................................................13

4 STAKEHOLDERSANDSERVICEUSERS.....................................................................................................135 SWOTANALYSIS...................................................................................................................................156 VISIONOFTHENETWORK.....................................................................................................................167 TOWARDSTHEVISION..........................................................................................................................167.1 MISSIONSTATEMENT,VALUESANDCONCEPTOFOPERATION.............................................................................167.2 KEYAREAS.............................................................................................................................................17

8 MATRIXOFDEVELOPMENTOBJECTIVESANDDIRECTIONS....................................................................179 PRIORITYACTIVITIES.............................................................................................................................2210 TIMETABLE...........................................................................................................................................24


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Listofabbreviations

CAP Common Agricultural Policy of EU

EC European Commission

EEC European Economic Community

EU European Union

IPA Instrument for preaccession assistance

IPARD IPA component related to rural development

LG local government

MoAFWM Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republic Serbia

RDNS Rural Development Network of Serbia

NPDP National Rural Development Plan

PDI Pension and disability insurance

AESS Agricultural expert service of Serbia


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1 Introduction

1.1BackgroundIn late 2007 the Ministry of agriculture, forestry and water management of the Republic of Serbia

has recognized the lack of communication with producers and poor awareness of farmers as one

of the major problems and for that reason it has initiated the project Network for the support of

rural development which had the objective to: gather and forward information relevant

to specific target groups, cooperate on the basis of common interests, perform resource mapping,

link knowledge and skills, educate on the basis of specific identified needs, increase the level of

activity in the community with a special emphasis on youth, spread a positive experience withinthe network, identify the optimal way to communicate with the population / citizens in order to

determine the real needs, provide support to connecting on the local level using a crosssectoral

approach, extend the influence of RDN on local authorities.

In the first phase of the project six regional centres to support rural development were

established, which consisted of 16 regional offices. Branch offices were opened at the level of

local governments.

Regional centres, with branch offices, had a task to perform twoway transfer of information

from the Ministry to registered agricultural holdings and vice versa on specific, compact area.

Over time, the number of local governments covered by the project grew, and today in RS 16

regional centres with 149 branch offices operate.

Early in 2009, the organizations representing the regional centres to support rural development

within the above mentioned project of MoAFWM have organised themselves and agreed to

expand their scope of work, so as not to function only as a service of MoA, but that they need a

significant role in rural development sector of the Republic of Serbia.

For these reasons in late 2009 the Association RURAL DEVELOPMENT NETWORK OF SERBIA

was formed. The network was established by 15 organizations from the RS that are active in the

sector of rural development.

Considering that the Rural Development Network of Serbia is newly established organisation,

and that the Statute of the organization sets the basis for action in complex and dynamic

environment, there is a real need to produce a document that will determine the directions and

objectives of development and operation of the Network over the next five years, relying on

basic principles defined in the Statute of the Network.

During the establishment of the organization, several founders of the consortium, headed by the

NGO Ibar Development Association from the city of Kraljevo, applied for support from the EU

under the Civil Society Dialogue fund, with the project RuralNET National Rural DevelopmentNetwork, an instrument of participation of CSOs in the preparation of policies and improving the

dialogue with EU rural networks. The project has been approved for funding under this

program and the project includes the development of this Action Plan.

1.2Review of methodology


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The fifth chapter presents the results of the analysis of current situation, by using the SWOT

methodology. SWOT matrix is prepared for all aspects of the analysis of the current situation.

The sixth chapter presents the vision of development, mission and core principles of the

organization.

The seventh chapter presents the key areas of activity in the further development of the

organization, through the method of key questions that need answering in the future period.

Chapter eight introduces in which direction the organization will continue to develop and

defines development objectives and specific measures and instruments that should be used to

fulfil defined objectives.

The ninth chapter provides an overview of the specific activities of the organization for the first

twoyear period, with specific responsibilities, deadlines and financial framework.

1.3Action plan as a framework of actionAction Plan of the Rural Development Network of Serbia for the period 2011 2015 represents

the basic framework for the operation of the network as an organization that gathers, represents

and supports its members in achieving their common objective to improve the situation in the

field of rural development in Serbia.

This document expresses the will of all members of the Network to work together through

mutual cooperation and provide a significant contribution to improving the situation in the

sector of rural development in Serbia.

During the drafting of this document the following elements were taken into account: the

relevant elements of social, economic and political realities, so far defined interests and

expectations of members, as well as those activities aimed at improving conditions for rural

development that are underway or have already been identified in the adopted strategic,

program and planning documents within the institutions of the Republic of Serbia or within

specific members of the Network.

Action Plan of the network is based on five key areas of the organizations actions:1. Building capacity and sustainability of the organization,2. Improving visibility and recognisability of the organization3. Improving informationservice activities aimed at users.4. Active involvement in planning and implementation of rural development measures.5. Strengthening partnerships with international organizations.

2

Rural development network of SerbiaAssociation Rural Development Network of Serbia is a voluntary, nongovernmental and non

profit organization, based on freedom of association of natural or legal persons, established to

improve the quality of life and balance regional development in rural areas of Serbia.

Rural Development Network of Serbia is a young and underpositioned organization in the

sector of rural development in Serbia. However, a significant advantage of the network is its


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5. Association of Citizens Edukacioni centar Leskovac,6. Regional Agency for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship of Pcinjski district

VEEDA Vranje,

7. Regional Development Agency of Eastern Serbia RARIS Zajear,8. Association of Citizens Veliko Gradiste (AGVG),9. Association MOBA Ljig,10.Association of Citizens AGROMREZA Beograd,11.Association of agronomists AGROZNANJE Vrsac,12.Centre for Rural Development, Research and Application Novi Knezevac,13.Regional Office for Rural Development Subotica,14.Association of Citizens NASA ZEMLJA Novi Sad,15.Ibar Development Association IDA Kraljevo and16.Association of Citizens Razvojna perspektiva Cacak.

Network membership is available to all natural and legal persons under the conditions provided

by Law and if they accept the Statute and the values of the association. All Network members

have the same rights, obligations and responsibilities.

Membership in the Network shall cease: if the member voluntarily withdraws by submitting a

written request, is the member is excluded from the Network, in case of death or termination ofthe legal person. Member is excluded if it is idle during a longer period of time, in cases of

damage to the reputation of the Network, breach of the Statute or nonpayment of membership

fees longer than one year.

Member of the Network is entitled to: equal footing with other members, in achieving the

objectives of the Network, directly participate in the work and decisions of the Assembly and

other organs of the Network; elect and be elected to the Network; be promptly and fully

informed about the activities of the Network; use all other amenities and benefits which the

Network provides for its members.

Member is required to: actively contribute to achieving the objectives of the Network;

participate, in accordance with interest, in the activities of the Network; pay the membership

fee; perform other duties delegated by the Board or the Assembly of the Network.

Assembly is the supreme body of the association. The Assembly consists of all of its

members. Legal person delegates its representative as member of the Assembly.

Network Assembly approves and passes: the statute and its amendments, enactments, financial

projections, financial reports, work program, annual report, the amount, manner and terms of

payment of membership fees. The Assembly elects and dismisses: president of the Assembly, the

president of the Network, members of the Management Board and Supervisory Board.The Assembly shall decide on the Network joining in other associations and networks, status

changes and termination of the association, as well as other matters relevant to the work of the

association.

President of the Association is the legal representative of the association. President of the

Network: represents the Network and is responsible for the legality of the Network; signs the


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by the Assembly of the Association, prepares the Associations Program of work and is

responsible for its execution, submits to the Assembly the report on activities, draft of the

financial plan and draft annual accounts (financial statements), establishes the fees for specificservices provided by the Association at the request of members or interested parties, adopts

periodic financial statements and implements the financial policy of the Association, prepares

the proposals for amending the Statute and general acts of the Association, adopts its rules of

procedure, provides guidelines for the work of the secretary (or president) of the Association

and professional service, makes draft of the decision on the appointment of the secretary of

Association, passes a decision on establishment of specific bodies of Management Board and

their scope of work, passes an act on the establishment and work of Expert service, its manner of

work and positions and act regulating working and other relations of Expert service of the

Association in accordance with the law, collective agreements and other regulations, shall decideon providing material and financial assistance to members of the Association, launches an

initiative for the adoption, amendment of laws and other regulations and measures important

for the development of rural areas, considers proposals, the views and opinions of the membersand takes appropriate action, delegates representatives of the Association to the organs and

organizations in accordance with the law, and in order to achieve the objectives of the

association attends to other matters in accordance with the law, this Statute and other general

regulations of the Association.

The Supervisory Board has seven members: president, vice president and five members electedfrom among the members of the Association by public vote for a period of 4 years with

possibility of reappointment. Members of the Supervisory Board may not be members of the

other bodies of the Association and may not hold other functions in the association.

The Supervisory Board controls the financial and material transactions and compliance with the

law and other regulations regarding the work of the Association.

Association has a secretary who is, at the proposal of the Management Board, appointed by the

Assembly of the Association and appointed for a term of four years with the possibility of re

election. Secretary directly manages the affairs of the expert service, takes care of the legality of

Associations work, prepares meetings of the Association bodies, organizes the implementationof their decisions and conclusions, and takes care of implementing the Program of Work and

Financial Plan of the Association. The Secretary is responsible to the Assembly and the

Management Board of the Association for its work.

Funding for the work the Association is provided by members through fees and contributions.

Income of the association is also comprised of commissions for services performed for members

of the association and other users, and other income (grants, gifts, donations, sponsorships,

etc.). In order to perform specific tasks or implement actions and activities of common interest,

members of the Association may join assets and establish funds for special purpose, if it is inaccordance with the tasks and objectives of the Association.

3 Context of Networks actions3.1Rural development policy in the EU


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new sources of income in rural areas, expanding employment opportunities, protection of rural

resources, decentralization and partnerships at local and regional level, transparency in the

creation and management of development programs.The aim of the EEC in agriculture and rural development by the end of 70's was to increase the

productivity in agriculture. The changes are starting to emerge in mid1970s, and were intended

to preserve the villages and prevent migration from poorer areas (Dir. 268/75). In the eighties

along with increased productivity in agriculture the principle of caring for the environment was

introduced (socalled Green Paper Reg. 797/85). Common Agricultural Policy is in the

process of reforming since the 90's of last century. The reforms mainly aim to increase

competitiveness in agriculture by reducing prices, providing compensation and the introduction

of direct aid to farmers. During this period, the new regulations (Reg. 2078/92, 2079/92 and

2080/92) highlight the importance of environmental protection, reforestation and early

retirement of farmers. Rural development policy is starting to be based on an integrated

approach to all sectors, economic diversification and management of natural resources.

The current EU rural development policy is defined in Agenda 2000 and is based on the

principle of multifunctionality of agriculture, multisectoral and integrated approach to rural

economies, diversification of activities, creating new sources of income in rural areas,

employment opportunities, protection of rural resources, decentralization and partnership at

local and regional level and transparency in the creation and management of development

programs. Support mechanisms have been defined, and separate priorities separated accordingto regions with the objective of decentralization, flexibility and increased efficiency.

The most important step in the reform of the CAP was also made in2003/2004 when the direct

aid was increased tenfold and the Common Agricultural Policy harmonized with the interests of

consumers. This reform is a key step towards marketoriented and sustainable CAP in the EU.

The agricultural sector is faced with challenges that did not exist in 2003. These challenges

include the need for increased monitoring of risks in production, fighting the climate change,

more efficient water management, higher level of utilization of renewable energy sources and

biodiversity. CAP harmonization towards meeting the above stated challenges requires

significant financial resources, and one of the most effective ways to achieve them is through a

new rural development policy.

Agriculture and forestry remain the biggest users of land that will shape the rural environment

and landscapes. Securing the environmental goods, particularly through the use of agro

environmental measures is the basis for rural development and employment capacity.

EC has established a Fund for Rural Development for 20072013 with the budget of 88.75 billion

Euros. This budget should enable the fulfilment of the planned objectives of rural development;

allow innovation and diversity beyond the traditional agribusiness in rural areas, answer to

society's expectations for the establishment of competitive and environmentally sustainableagriculture, forestry and food sectors in rural areas of the EU.

In the agricultural sector was well as in rural areas, the EU strives to balanced economic growth,

technological improvements and the creation of new business methods that are environmentally

sustainable.

The basic rules governing rural development policy in the period 20072013 were given in the


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producers associations. This principle requires the establishment of an appropriate balance between

the sustainability of farms, environmental and social dimensions of rural development.

Improving the environment and villages: The main objective of this principle is to protect theenvironment and ensure sustainable land use. Particular attention is paid to areas with natural and

physical deficiencies. Sustainable development policy encourages major stakeholders (farmers,

foresters and others) to preserve rural areas, landscape and natural environment in order to prevent

abandonment of agricultural and forest land. EU co-finances, through this principle, the priorities

such as combating climate change, improvement of biodiversity and water quality, reducing the risk

of consequences of natural disasters and the like.

Raising the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversity in rural economies: The mainobjective of this principle is to support sustainable development and improve socio-economic

structure in remote rural and suburban areas. The funds are intended for improving the access tobasic services, infrastructure development, improving the state of the environment, promoting

sustainable development in these areas, creating employment opportunities (particularly for youth

and women) which are non-agriculture as well as easier access to information and information-

technology solutions.

Figure 1 Mechanism for financing rural development (20072013)

Hence, the LEADER1 approach will be encouraged. LEADER was initially designed as a pilot

project to try to support economic and social development and integration of rural areas. The

program sought to achieve these objectives through the development of local development

strategies. These plans and actions are the result of the local community's work, in line with


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20072013.

The scope of assistance to candidate countries includes the following components:

1. Transition assistance and institution building;2. Crossborder cooperation;3. Regional development;4. Human resource development;5. Ruraldevelopment.

Countries which are potential candidates may use the first two components, but as soon as they

obtain the status of candidate country they can use all five areas of assistance.

The objectives of rural development support in the IPA program have not been changedcompared to previous programs. They include assistance in the implementation of the acquiscommunautaire and support to sustainable restructuring of the agricultural sector and rural

areas.

In accordance with the IPA, a component for rural development (IPARD) aims to contribute to

achieving the following objectives:

1. Improving market efficiency and implementation of EU standards: investment infarms in order to restructure them and raise to EU standard; support in the establishment

of agricultural associations; investment in processing and marketing of agricultural

products in order to raise processing and marketing to the EU standard;

2. Preparatoryactivitiesfortheimplementationofagro-ecologicalmeasuresandruraldevelopment strategies at the local level: the activities that will improve the

environment and countryside; preparation and implementation of rural development

strategies at the local level;

3. Development of rural economy: promotion and development of rural infrastructure;development and diversification of economic activities in rural areas; improvement of

training.

3.3Rural areas of SerbiaIn Serbia, rural area is defined as an area, whose main physical and geographical characteristic

is the primary use of the land for agriculture and forestry. According to this definition, about

70% of Serbia can be subsumed under the rural areas. In these areas live about 43% of the total

population. By definition of the OrganizationforEconomicCooperationandDevelopment(OECD)(population density below 150 inhabitants per km2), rural areas cover 85% of the total territory

of Serbia and in these territories are occupied by more than half of the population (55%) of

Serbia. Rural areas possess major natural resources with the rich ecosystems and biodiversity,significant human resources, economic activity and cultural heritage.

According to the OECD typology rural regions are divided into three groups:

1. regions where over 50% of the population lives in rural communities rural regions;2. regions in which 15% to 50% of the population lives in rural communities significantly

rural regions or transition regions;


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of several parcels. In the structure of the created value of agricultural production 59% comes

from the plant, and 41% from livestock production. Productivity is below the EU average and

natural predisposition due to lack of funds and low input use on farms. The production structureis dominated by grains, and most productive culture is corn. Total trade in agricultural products

in 2007 amounted to 2.806 billion dollars, with a surplus of 574.5 million dollars. Agriculture at

the moment is not a major polluter of the environment.

In order to identify similarities and differences between rural areas in Serbia, as well as their

strengths and weaknesses, the project Support for rural development programming and

establishment of payment systems financed by the EU, through cluster analysis developed a

typology of rural areas. Four different types of rural areas that can be used to identify specific

strengths and weaknesses of these areas as well as for making appropriate strategies and

effective policies and measures for their development, are as follows:

Type1:Highly

productive

agricultureand

integrated

economy.

This group of rural municipalities includes municipalities in Vojvodina

and northern parts of central Serbia. This area experienced positive

demographic changes between the 1991 and 2002. GDP per capita and

the employment structure by sectors are more favourable compared to

other parts of Serbia. In these areas a highly productive agriculture is

present with better structure of farms (larger farms with higher

productivity of land) and vertical integration with agricultural and food

sector. Compared to the level of the Republic of Serbia, servic es andindustrial sector are better developed.

Type2:Small

urbaneconomies

withintensive

agriculture

This region includes the municipalities in rural areas that are located

along the river valleys and major regional roads in central Serbia (which

range from Belgrade towards the border to Montenegro, Bosnia and

Herzegovina and FYR Macedonia). Many of the rural municipalities in this

cluster are located around major urban centres, have economies that are

more diversified and better employment opportunities due to

commuting. GDP per capita is roughly at the level of the nationalaverage. Demographic changes are not significantly expressed and mostly

do not exceed the national average. In these areas the agricultural

production is intensive (vegetables, vineyards and orchards) and market

oriented, while their rural economy is diversified, with different services

and the presence of small and medium enterprises. Productivity of

agricultural land is at a similar level as in the rural areas of

Vojvodina. However, environmental pressures are stronger in these areas

due to the existence of old industries.

Type3:

Economies

orientedtowards

natural resources,

This region includes the municipalities in the mountainous rural areas of

the southeastern part of Serbia. It is characterized by low population

density and the negative demographic changes. GDP per capita is

significantly lower than the national average (51% of the national

average). This economic structure is associated with low productivity

agriculture, a small number of industrial activities, the presence of a


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Type4:

Large

touristfacilities

andpoor

agricultural

structure

The cluster of municipalities in a rural area located in the western part of

Serbia with large tourist facilities (index of hotel beds/1000 person in

this cluster of municipalities is three times higher than the national

average). However, agricultural structures are the weakest compared to

all the abovedescribed types of rural areas. Percentage of agricultural

land and labour productivity is twice lower than the national level. Also,

this type of rural area has one of the lowest shares of GDP per capita in

rural areas which is 54% of the national average per capita GDP.

3.4Rural development policy in the Republic of SerbiaRural development policy of the Republic of Serbia is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of

agriculture, forestry and water management.

Law on Agriculture and Rural Development (Official Gazette of the RS No. 41/09) was adopted in

May 2009. In addition to the aforementioned Law, a whole set of laws regulating specific issues

related to rural development was adopted: the Law on Agricultural Land, the Law on

Cooperatives, Law on Animal Welfare, Wine Law, Law on brandy and other alcoholic beverages,

the Law on Livestock , Law on Food Safety, the Law on Public Storage.

Law on Agriculture and Rural Development: This law regulates the objectives and

implementation of agricultural policies, forms of incentives in agriculture and rural areas, theconditions for eligibility for incentives, incentive beneficiaries, Registry of farms, recording and

reporting in agriculture, as well as monitoring of this law. Likewise, this Law establishes the

Department of Agricultural Payments as a body within the ministry responsible for agriculture.

Major parts of the Act in terms of rural development policy are related to the adoption of the

Rural development program and establishment of a new structure of the sector for rural

development. Part of the Ministry in charge of rural development will be responsible for

preparing and changing the future Rural development programs, as well as for programming,

evaluation, monitoring of program implementation, reporting, coordination and implementationof measures of technical assistance to rural development, in line with EU requirements. In this

regard, after the adoption of multiyear program for rural development, rural population will

have an overview and insight into all rural development measures to be supported and which

will be granted incentives.

The law envisages the existence of structural incentives that include the measures for rural

development. Rural development measures include those measures aimed at improving

competitiveness in agriculture and forestry (investment in agriculture and forestry and the

introduction of new standards in production and placement of agricultural products),

improvement of environmental protection programs, biodiversity conservation, diversificationof rural economy and increasing quality of life in rural areas.

Implementation of the policy is based on the Strategy of Agriculture and Rural Development of

the Republic of Serbia, the National Programme for Agriculture and National Programme of

Rural Development.

Implementation of agricultural policy is done through the following types of subsidies: direct


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determines these areas for a period of three years. Also, the opportunity is given to the

autonomous province and local governments to implement agricultural policies in the areas of

their territory and to establish legal entities to support the implementation of agriculturalpolicies, with the provision that funds for implementing agricultural policy are secured from the

budget of the autonomous province or local government.

The right to use incentives under conditions defined herein is given to farms that are enrolled in

the Farm Registry, local governments, local communities and other forms of local self

government, as well as other persons and organizations in accordance with the law. The family

farm is the basic form of organization of agricultural production. The family farm is primarily an

economic category in which the agricultural production takes place. Depending on its economic

strength the family farm can be: commercial family farm and noncommercial family farm.

3.5Rural development at the local level in SerbiaThe local governments in Serbia mainly have active Offices t assist the village and / or the Offices

to support agriculture in different organizational forms. However, there is no correlation

between the degree of development of LG and the existence of the office to help the village. Also,

clear geographic or regional connection cannot be established given that LG without the office to

help the village / rural development are situated in almost every region.

In most cases, the LG has one office that helps rural development, and it usually employs one

person. The offices mainly employ persons with university degrees (engineers of agriculture,

veterinarians, etc.)2.

The basic observation is that it is not possible to make significant progress in rural development

or agriculture with only one person employed in the field of rural development and

agriculture. Degree of financial and professional motivation of these people is quite low; they

have no knowledge or ideas; assignments, too, are not clearly defined.

After adopting the Law on the agriculture and rural development, local governments have begun

with the establishment of local funds for agricultural development, which usually have some

measures to support rural development.Most local governments in Serbia have strategic plans for development in which agriculture and

rural development is recognized as a priority. However, the main problem of existing strategic

plans is that they are not fully developed and do not have action plans and are therefore

unenforceable. In most cases there is no monitoring and evaluation of existing plans. In many

cases socalled expert plans were drafted which didnt include realistic and detailed

examination of the situation on the field, nor is there a participatory approach during

preparation of strategic documents.

4 Stakeholders and service usersIn order to define the key subjects who have influence, and interest in supporting the rural

development process, an analysis of key interested parties was implemented (hereinafter

referred to as stakeholders).

Th li d h d l b d k h N k f d i h


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the importance of every stakeholder for the work of the Network, as well as their willingness to

cooperate with the Network.

The third phase consisted of an analysis of stakeholders in terms of their positioning in the workof the Network and differentiation of the stakeholders according to who may be a potential

service user.

Stakeholder

Sector ImpactSignifica

nce

Willingness

tocooperate Support/

Undecided/

Opponents

Potential

serviceuserPublic-Business-

Civil

High-Medium-

Low

High-Medium-

Low

High-Medium-

Low

Registered farms in the RS B M H H S yes

Local governments P M M M S yes

Associations that are not involved in theRDNS

C L M M Uyes

Ministry of agriculture, forestry and water

managementP H H H S

yes

Ministry of economy and regionaldevelopment

P L M L Uyes

Regional Chambers of Commerce C M M M S yes

Entrepreneurs and companies B L H M U yes

Provincial Secretariat for agriculture P L L L U yes

RDA Regional Development Agencies P H/M H H/M S/U yes

Tourism organizations P M M M U yes

Scientific institutions (institutes, universities) P L M M U yes

Agricultural expert services P M H H S yes

Veterinary stations B L L L U no

Educational institutions P L M L U no

Donor organizations PC H H L S yes

Religious communities C L M L U yes

Rural local communities C L M L U yes

Media B M H H S no

Republics public companies and institutions P L M L U yes

The founders and members of the RDNS C H H H S yes


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Keyserviceusers Keypartners Threats

Registered agriculturalhouseholds in the RS

Local governmentsMinistry of Economy and

Regional Development

Entrepreneurs and companies

The founders and members ofthe RDNS

Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry and WaterManagement

Provincial Secretariat forAgriculture

Regional Chambers ofCommerce

Regional DevelopmentAgencies

Agricultural expert services

Association which are notinvolved in the RDNS.

5 SWOT analysisSWOT analysis (analysis of internal and external environment) combines and represents the

analysis of the situation resulting from the group and individual interviews with members of the

Network on internal capacities, problems and needs of the organization, as well as data andanalysis from the adopted strategic documents.

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

Human resources Territorial coverage Associations members of RDNS Years of experience of network members The coverage of different sectors Good communication in the RDNS Link to MoAFWM References of founders and members Connection with LG Good technical equipment IT equipment Openness to new members Relationship with users registered farms The possibility of covering the entire territory of the

RS with projects

Unbalanced capacities of organizations andlack of education

Underdeveloped communication channels No offroad vehicles Insufficient promotion of RDNS RDNS insufficiently recognized Inadequate coordination of joint applications

to donor funds

Lack of own premises Unstable funding for the Resource Centre of

RDNS

Undefined services of RDNS Poor capacity to lobby

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS


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The interest of the state and other subjects for rural

development

Examples of good practice from successfulmunicipalities and abroad

Poverty Reduction Strategy Rural entrepreneurship NATURA 2000 Danube Strategy The possibility of participation in adoption of

national and local strategies

The existence of regional agricultural expertservices

The willingness of municipal authorities to supportvarious aspects of rural development

Slow EU integration

6 Vision of the Network

7 Towards the vision7.1

Mission statement, values and concept of operation

ThemissionoftheNetwork:The Network has a purpose to provide support to stakeholders in

rural development, through the identification, initiation, promotion and networking of

participants, potentials and advantages, which contribute to strengthening of regional

development and improvement of the quality of life in rural communities.

Values of the Network: The Network will base its work on the principles of voluntariness,

democracy, openness, equal opportunity, gender equality, transparency, implementation of best

practices and compliance with all local features that are present in rural communities in Serbia.

Thebasic

concept

of

operation

of

the

Network:

Improvement of overall capacities to work on the activities carried out in the field of rural

development and agricultural support, including information about programs of support

measures of the MoAFWM and European institutions.

The establishment of functional cooperation with institutions at international, national, regional

and local levels with emphasis on the MoAFWM and the existing rural networks abroad.

EvenlydevelopedSerbiawhere ruralareas areadesirableplacetolive,wherepeople

contribute,withtheirworkandactivities,totheconservation,developmentand

improvementofallpotentials,valuesandadvantagesthatruralcommunitieshave.


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7.2Key areas

The selection of key areas for achieving the development vision of the Network for RuralDevelopment of Serbia is based on an analysis of the situation, which took into account the

relevant indicators, the environment for work, but also the internal capacity of the organization,

then the resulting selfassessment and evaluation of the SWOT analysis.

Thekeyareasforachievingthevision

Strengthening

thecapacity

and

sustainability

ofthe

organization

Improving

visibilityand

recognisability

ofthe

organization

Improving

information-

service

provisionsfor

users

Active

involvementin

planningand

implementation

ofrural

development

measures

Strengthening

partnerships

with

international

organizations

8

Matrix of development objectives and directions

EvenlydevelopedSerbiawhere ruralareas areadesirableplacetolive,wherepeople

contribute,withtheirworkandactivities,totheconservation,developmentand

improvementofallpotentials,valuesandadvantagesthatruralcommunitieshave.

Objective1: Objective2: Objective3: Objective4: Objective5:

Rural

development

networkof

Serbiais

recognizedas

competent,

efficient

and

sustainable.

Improved

visibilityand

recognitionofthe

Rural

development

networkofSerbia

as

relevant

stakeholderin

rural

development.

Improved

informationand

utilityservicefor

users,providing

timelyand

accurate

information

and

efficientservices.

Ruraldevelopment

networkofSerbia

isactivelyinvolved

intheplanning

and

implementationof

policies

and

measuresforrural

development.

Rural

development

networkof

Serbiaisan

activemember

orpartnerof

international

organizations

and

associations.


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MEASURE1.2. MEASURE2.2. MEASURE3.2. MEASURE4.2. MEASURE5.2.

Establishinga

sustainable

fundingsystem

oftheNetwork.

Improvingthe

recognitionand

visibilityofthe

Networkat

nationaland

regionallevel.

Definingand

developinga

servicepackage

tailoredtothe

needsofusers.

Activeinvolvement

ofthe

Network

in

theimplementation

ofinstrumentsand

legalframeworks

inthefieldofrural

development.

Intensive

promotionof

thevaluesof

ruralSerbiain

English

language.

MEASURE1.3. MEASURE2.3. MEASURE3.3.

Establishinga

coordinatedand

systematic

approachto

capacitybuilding

ofNetwork

members.

Improving

recognitionand

visibilityofthe

Networkatthe

locallevel.

Establishmentof

commercialservices.

Objective1:RuralDevelopmentNetworkofSerbiaisrecognizedascompetent,

efficientand

sustainable

organization.

MEASURE Plannedactivities:

MEASURE1.1.

Establishinga

purposeful

organizationandefficientinternal

procedures.

Preparation of normative acts and the establishment of effectiveinternal procedures

Development of applicable strategic documents Strengthening awareness and sense of belonging to the Network

through teamwork, joint sports games and competitions (ruralgames), partnerships on joint projects and the like.

Establishment of effective and regular communication, formal andinformal channels

Establishing platforms for exchange of information betweenmembers

Establishing an efficient system of monitoring the implementation ofNetwork activities and evaluating the achievements and effects based

on the planning documents of the Network

Establishing a system of continuous monitoring of environment andadapting the Networks activities according to changes in

environment

MEASURE1.2.

Providing financial resources for the regular activities of the Networkon the basis of work plan


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systematicapproach

tocapacitybuilding

ofNetwork

members.

Implementation of a standardized and coordinated approach toimplementation of training based on training plan

Creating a database of experiences / best practices of networkmembers

Promotion Networks resources

Objective2:ImprovedvisibilityandrecognitionoftheRuraldevelopment

networkofSerbiaasrelevantstakeholderinruraldevelopment.


MEASURE2.1.

Applyingaplanning

approachto

promotingand

improving

the

visibilityofthe

Network

Updating stakeholders and the definition of target groups to promotethe Network

Drafting and implementation of Plan of promotion Production of promotional materials and their continuous

distribution

Promotion and obligatory use of a visual identity of the Networkby members Continued lobbying and advocacy of the Network Securing financial resources to improve visibility across all projects

MEASURE2.2.

Improvingthe

recognitionand

visibilityof

the

Networkatnational

andregionallevel.

Mapping and updating of information on relevant conferences, eventsand exhibitions, as well as the integration of promotional activities

at these meetings in the Plan of promotion

Establish regular communication with relevant partners andinstitutions

Establishing partnerships with national and regional institutions andorganizations

Continuous promotion in the mediaMEASURE2.3.

Improving

recognitionand

visibilityofthe

Networkat

the

local

level.

Regular communication and information exchange withrepresentatives of LG on rural development

Established regular cooperation with the local media for thepromotion of the Network

Implemented promotions are in accordance with the promotion planat the local level

Obj ti 3 I d i f ti d tilit i f idi


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stakeholdersinthe

fieldofrural

development.

national level

Integrating real problems and needs of rural communities inmeasures, planning and strategy documents at all levels

MEASURE3.2.

Definingand

developingaservice

packagetailoredto

theneedsofusers.

Establishing functional and efficient Resource Centre Development of standardized package of services for users identified

in the analysis of stakeholders

Monitoring of Network users needs and integration of the analysissresults into the service pack

Continuously inform users about services and how to access servicesMEASURE

3.3.

Establishmentof

commercialservices.

Establish a database of internal capacity of member for networkingand joint action on the market,

The development of the package of commercial services, Promotion of commercial services in the market

Objective4:

Rural

development

network

of

Serbia

is

actively

involved

in

the

planningandimplementationofpoliciesandmeasuresforruraldevelopment.


MERA4.1.Active

involvementofthe

Networkin

planning

ofpoliciesand

measuresforrural

developmentat

nationallevel.

Institutionalizing and establishing regular (twoway) communicationwith the MoA and other relevant institutions about the needs of users,

the effects of application of certain measures, implemented projects

and the like.

Involving members of the Network in the working bodies of theMinistry

Inclusion of the Network in the development of regulations and rulesrelevant to rural development

Involvement of Networks expect capacities as a potential partner ofMoA in the planning of rural development measures

MERA4.2.Active

involvementofthe

Networkin

the

implementation of

instrumentsand

legalframeworksin

thefieldofrural

development.

Continuous and active promotion of the measures and ruraldevelopment policies and support to implementation

Lobbying and advocacy for the establishment of LAGs Support the work of Local Action Groups Continuous monitoring of the effects of applied individual measures

of rural development


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MERA5.1.

Establishinglong-

termand

institutionalized

cooperationwith

international

partners.

Identification and assessment of potential foreign partners, includingconsultant companies engaged in the implementation of donor

programs Establishment of partnership with organizations assessed as relevant

through the exchange of letters of intent, strategic partnership

agreements, memoranda of cooperation and the like.

Active involvement of the Network in the work of the Europeanforums and networks,

Set up and regularly update a database of realized / establishedpartnerships and partner organizations

Integrate the promotion of the Network at the international level inthe regular activities of members

MERA5.2.Intensive

promotionofthe

valuesofrural

SerbiainEnglish

language.

Development and implementation of the Plan for the promotion at theinternational level

Development and distribution of promotional materials in Englishlanguage

Establishing and updating the web site of the Network in Englishlanguage

Capacity building of network members in the field of foreignlanguages, with an emphasis on English (courses, exchanges, etc.)


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24

10TimetableNo Title

2011 2012

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

1. Adoption of normative acts and internal procedures

2. Organizing informal meetings

3. Establishing a monitoring system for rural development

4. Development of Internet platform for information exchange5. Establishment of a functional Resource centre

6. Establishing a database of existing capacities and experiences

7. Organizing priority trainings

8. Drafting the Plan of promotion and defining the visual identity

9.Production of promotional material and establishing a web site

(including English)

10.Regular coordination meetings with the institutions at national and

regional levels and representatives of LG

11.Needs analysis (market) for services (commercial and non

commercial)

12. Establishing a package of services for users

13.

Active involvement of the Network in the drafting of regional anddistrict development strategies and national rural development

programs

14.Involvement in drafting the Regulations on the functioning of the Rural

Development Network of Serbia

15. Support the formation of pilot LAGs, and active participation in theirwork.

16.

Mapping and establishment of cooperation with potential partnersfrom abroad, including the consultancy companies engaged on the

implementation of donor programs

17. Inclusion in the work of international rural networks

Documents

Action Plan 2011 - 2015 - Rural Development Network of Serbia