Member states get guidelines for €88 billion rural development spend

TOURISM, e-business and protection of rare species are some of the activities European governments can subsidise to keep farmers on the land in future.

Three priority areas are addressed in the strategic guidelines adopted this week by the European Commission for use of rural development funding, which is set to increase by nearly 200%.

Under the heading of competitiveness of farming, projects that help young farmers and foster e-business ventures are recommended, for example.