Network structure

Summary of the network's operating structure

The network unit is a new department of an independent public institution - the Rural Economy Research Centre administered by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Estonian rural network unit forms part of the Rural and Fisheries Networks Department of the Rural Economy Research Centre, with responsibility for administering the Network Action Plan.

There are five principal members of staff. Overall management responsibility rests with the Head of the Rural and Fisheries Network Department. The Head of the Rural Network Bureau`s responsibilities include foreign relations and LEADER, three leading specialists are respectively responsible for training and contracts; weekly newsletters and media and for Axes 1 and 2 delivery.

The Network Cooperation Chamber involves relevant rural actors covering Axes 1, 2 and 3 objectives and is responsible for ensuring cooperation between bodies representing ERDP beneficiaries and those involved in implementation.

It provides advice to the Rural Economy Research Centre regarding network activities, annual Action Plan, a Network Cooperation Chamber Leader thematic group, and the thematic group formed. The network unit in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture will choose potential themes for Cooperation Chamber selection.

Summary of the network's operating procedures

The network is managed by the Rural Economy Research Centre.

At least two Chamber of Cooperation and three LEADER working group meetings take place each year.

The network unit develops an Action Plan with the ERDP, drawing on ideas from LAGs and the Ministry of Agriculture. Working plans with details of larger events are presented to the Ministry of Agriculture for approval and to the Chamber for information. The network unit decides the schedule of seminars, topics and participant numbers.

Stakeholder consultation methods vary by need. Network staff either answer information requests directly or seek answers from the Ministry of Agriculture or Paying Agency. Seminars with Ministry or Paying Agency specialists or in another relevant field are organised as required.

Communications with the Ministry of Agriculture and Paying Agency are through direct contact. In external communications through the Cooperation Chamber, the rural network manages an email list, coordinates weekly information and provides specific information for rural network meetings.

The network's website contains information about rural and LEADER events, seminars, regulations and training materials; a new website with more detailed information in English, and open contact search tool, etc. is planned.

Monitoring, evaluation and review of network activities involves submitting reports to the Ministry of Agriculture contributing to the RDP Annual Monitoring Report.