Agriculture central to rural economies, says report on development

AGRICULTURE must remain central to the economies of rural regions, but modern technologies, such as broadband, are essential to its survival, Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness has told the European Parliament.

Her report on the EU guidelines for rural development, which sees emphasis and funding moving from farming to other rural-based activities, was adopted by the parliament.

The guidelines aim to help member states develop specific rural development programmes. Ireland’s plan is due out in four to six weeks.