Family farming shouldn’t be a solitary activity. Rural communities are key for supporting farmers and the development of the rural economy. In Europe and Central Asia, FAO has been supporting different initiatives and projects related to local rural development for more than a decade. Going now a step further, a workshop in Budapest marks the establishment of an informal regional technical network on integrated community development.

The two-day meeting, starting today, provides an opportunity to present and discuss different approaches to local rural development relevant for Europe and Central Asia; share practical experience and lessons learned between the countries; look at areas for improvement; and discuss policy options for supporting the integrated development of rural communities in the region.