The Gozo Action Group Foundation (GAGF) successfully hosted “Celebrating Gozo’s Rural Progress with LEADER” at the Grand Hotel Gozo, bringing together community leaders, project beneficiaries, and policy makers to celebrate rural development initiatives across Gozo and Comino.

The ceremony, showcasing project beneficiaries and fostering stakeholder engagement, commenced with addresses by the GAGF Chairperson Joe Cordina, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo, Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, and Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri.

Their speeches underlined the importance of the LEADER approach in empowering local communities and fostering sustainable rural innovation.

An audio-visual presentation reviewed the Rural Development Programme 2014-2022 outlining key achievements in agri-business, tourism, culture, and environmental projects, followed by an introduction to the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (CAP SP) 2023-2027, which promises new opportunities for local operators.

One of the evening’s highlights was the LEADER Rural Excellence Awards, honouring outstanding projects in several categories.The Zebbug Local Council received the Community Impact Project Award for Gozo… The Destination of Tales and Trails while Fondazzjoni Belt Victoria’s Il-Ha?ar Museum was the winner of the Cultural Heritage & Promotion Award.

The Voice for Inclusion Gozo Association took the honours in the Health & Well-Being category through their Talent Centre as the coveted prize in Innovation & Entrepreneurship was received by the Ghajn Tuta Agri Tourism for their Eno-Gastronomic project.

Beneficiaries from different sectors shared personal success stories, reflecting on how LEADER funding has transformed their communities and livelihoods.

The event also featured the launch of a new GAGF publication showcasing Gozo’s rural progress and success stories, highlighting projects funded under Measure 19.2 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2022 in Gozo.

The evening concluded with a dinner celebrating local cuisine and traditional Gozitan flavours, accompanied by live folk music and a strong sense of community spirit.

The GAGF, established in 2008, is responsible for the implementation of the LEADER Programme in Gozo, bringing together Local Councils, NGOs, and the business community. Its mission is enshrined in its commitment to develop the rural localities within its territory to improve the quality of life and make this territory more prosperous.

The Foundation said that it continues to focus on rural innovation, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage, ensuring that Gozo’s future remains deeply rooted in its rural identity – “honouring the past, shaping the future of Gozo’s rural development.”

More Information: www.leadergozo.eu

Photos: GAGF

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