Strengthening links between suppliers and consumers of local food products can provide positive rural development outcomes. Experience from EAFRD projects involved in supporting local  food chains indicates that cooperation between rural businesses can create new opportunities with sustainable benefits.

Food’s important role in EU rural development is highlighted by the European Commission in its policy emphasis on promotion of farm products14. Proposals to update this policy were put forward in 2011, which draw attention to the fact that the, “EU has a culinary heritage of great diversity that should be exploited to the full.” Partnership approaches for strengthening regional and local food markets are underlined in the EU Green Paper proposals which note how Leader15 rural development methods can offer constructive benefits.