Regional Stakeholder Meeting: Gietrzwałd, Poland

On September 13, 2024, the final Regional Stakeholder Meeting (RSM) of the first semester for the INSPIRE Project – "Innovative and Smarter Policy Instruments for Rural Europe" – took place in Gietrzwałd, Poland. The event, hosted by project partners, gathered 14 advisors from the Warmian-Masurian Agricultural Advisory Center (WMAAC), a local farmer, and Local Action Group (LAG) employees. Together, they addressed strategic topics, including the European Green Deal, sustainable water management in agriculture, and innovative approaches to rural development.

In their discussions, participants emphasized the importance of making information on rural innovation accessible to a wider range of rural residents beyond farmers. The meeting highlighted increased cooperation between LAGs and WMAAC, focusing on sharing resources and promoting smart development across communities.

A key challenge identified was communicating policy innovations in ways that resonate broadly within rural communities. Stakeholders stressed the need for regular updates and coordinated efforts to engage and inform rural residents about relevant initiatives effectively.

Concluding the meeting, participants committed to enhancing outreach efforts by sharing information about upcoming meetings and training sessions and encouraging community involvement. This commitment sets a solid foundation for inclusive and effective rural development moving into the next phase of the INSPIRE project.

This milestone marks an important step in INSPIRE’s mission to shape smarter, more responsive policies for rural Europe, with many more updates in the second semester. Stay tuned as we continue this journey