Greater collaboration between state bodies and local agencies providing services to farmers and rural dwellers and the development of shared services by Local Action Groups in the delivery of the LEADER programme were among the recommendations of a report published by the NRN in 2010. The report on ‘Stimulating the Agriculture and Rural Economy through the Rural Development Programme’ was drawn up by a working group of representatives of rural development agencies and rural organisations, chaired by John Malone, former secretary general of the Department of Agriculture and Food. It was compiled by Dr Pat Bogue of the NRN. A greater focus on rural enterprise in agricultural education and the development of focus enterprises, similar to the focus farm concept, as vehicles for disseminating advice and  information to existing and potential entrepreneurs were among the other recommendations.