1. Rural Economy Research Centre - Estonian Rural and Fishery Network Unit in Estonia Ave Bremse Rural Network Unit Bureau 16. May 200 8, Riga

2. History of Establishment National Rural Network Unit - in Estonia 1. The activities of the National Network Unit will be implemented step by step and be completed by 31 December 2008. 2. April 2007 - Estonian NNU started its activity at Rural Economy Research Centre in Jäneda – as non-structural unit.

3. 2008 ● 01. January 2008 – Estonian Rural Network department non-structural departement at Rural Economy Center ● 01. April 2008 – officcial establishment of Estonian Rural and Fishery Network department at Rural Economy Center. ● Department consit of: ● 1. Bureau of Rural Network Unit ● 2. Bureau of Fishery Network Unit

4. Financing ● Rural Network Unit financed of the ERDP technical assistance  implementation of its action plan shall not exceed 640 000 EUR per year  management cost of the Network shall not exceed 25% of the total budget of the Network.

5. The aims of Estonian Rural Network Unit ● to support rural development & LEADER activities organise meetings, round-table discussion and trainings ● create website and data-base of experts ● exchange of information on local, Estonian and the EU level. ● supports co-operation initiatives ● handbooks and other informative materials

6. Objectives and functions ● to produce value added for the ERDP implementation, incl. for the involvement of beneficiaries and other parties interested in rural development. ● The main objective of the Network is to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience on Estonian level ● The activity of the Network contributes to the exchange of information on local, Estonian and the EU level.

7. Completing the structure of the Network in 2008 Structure: 1. Rural Network Unit for the administration 2. The Rural Network Chamber for Co-operation ● Sectorial working groups for 1-, 2- and 3- Axes and LEADER 1. - for assembling different interested rural actors. 2. - to ensure co-operation between the associations and organisations representing the ERDP beneficiaries and the bodies involved. (twice a year) ● - technical assistance for internal and trans-national co-operation

8. Fishery Bureau ● National network of fisheries action groups - to offer support for initiating cooperation etc. ● The national network financed from the financial resources of the EFF’s technical assistance. ● activities of the network will be implemented and will be completed by 31 December 2008.

9. Activities in 2007 ● Establishment and technical preparation ● First activities focused to Leader in Estonia 1. Seminars, international conference, expertises and consultations for LAG-s, handbook, website 2. Some events and cooperation also with beneficaries of 1- and 2- axes. ● International relations

10. NNU Events in 2007 ● Total number of organised events - 16 days (270 participants) ● Number of seminar days for LAG’s – 11 ● Leader information events:  in Estonian Farmers Day (July 2007)  infoday for potential new municipalities (October 2007)  network seminar for rural actors  Leader-strategy seminars for LAG’s (3x 2- days + eveluation seminar Sept-Nov 2007)

11. NNU Events in 2007 (2) ● International Leader Conference (co-operation with 2 Estonian LAGs) in Pärnu – “Leader – organisation or project?” (15.-16.Nov 2007) ● Number of different LAG’s events participated by NNU specialsts – 25 ● Participation in International events – 7 ● Handbook for “Leader strategy principles” with cooperation of Ministry of Agriculture (printed and webside version) ● Preparation of different handouts and infomaterials in NNU website.

12. Team: ● National Rural and Fishery Network Department: ● Krista Kõiv, Director ● Ester Valdvee, Specialist of Events ● Rural Network Bureau: ● Ave Bremse, Specialist of Leader Foreign Affairs ● Meeri Klooren, Specialist of Media ● Fishery Network Bureau: ● Jaak Sadul, Specialist

13. Address: ● Jäneda, Tapa vald 73602 Lääne- Virumaa, Estonia ● Fax +372 3849701 ● www.maainfo.ee