LEADER
PROVINCE OF EAST FLANDERS
BELGIUM
The Belgian Province of East Flanders holds three LEADER regions. Each region has its own development strategy, built around the three main rural topics of agriculture, landscape and villages.
Each region is open to finding partners for a transnational LEADER project. See below for the specific topics and contact person.
We look forward to hearing from you and exploring possible cooperation.
Contact us
Annelies Waegeman
LAG-manager
LEADER Vlaamse Ardennen tot Dender
Topics for transnational LEADER projects
Goals in the development strategy of the region of Meetjesland-Leievallei
1. Meetjesland – Leievallei is a climate resilient rural area where nature and agriculture reinforce each other.
- Innovative business models for agriculture (local food strategies, tourism, circular economy…)
- Innovative production techniques for agriculture
- Strengthening the typical landscape and biodiversity
2. Meetjesland – Leievallei has strong and lively villages.
- Strengthening green-blue networks in the villages
- Strong service level in the villages
- Stimulating lively villages
Goals in the development strategy of the region of Vlaamse Ardennen tot Dender
1. Preserve, manage and create a high-quality landscape in the Flemish Ardennes
- Soil and water system as a starting point to make landscape and agriculture climate-proof
- Green-blue networks are set up and connected in both open space and in the built environment.
2. Agriculture in the Flemish Ardennes is viable and sustainable, and provides scope for local production and consumption
- Support partnerships that connect agriculture and nature more closely in the landscape
- Stimulate multifunctional agriculture and promoting local food strategies
3. The Flemish Ardennes increases the quality of life in the villages with respect for the uniqueness of the environment and regional identity
- Contributing to the spatial quality and quality of life in village centres
- Increase the experience of regional identity and tradition for residents and visitors
Goals in the development strategy of the region of Waasland
1. Agriculture is economically profitable and ecologically sustainable
- Encourage sustainable agricultural diversification
- Stimulate profitable valorisation and processing of biomass residues
- Experiment with innovative, sustainable (circular) production and processing techniques and/or revenue models
2. The landscape is climate resilient and enhances biodiversity and corresponding ecosystems
- Invest in the development of landscape in function of climate adaptation and mitigation and protect biodiversity
- Invest in the quality of the integral soil and water system
3. The villages offer a high quality of life and focus on the future, with respect for their heritage
- Future-proof and qualitative meeting places, that connect with the surrounding landscape
- Activities, events and projects that strengthen the local community
- Smart transition of municipalities (smart villages)
Project example: Protein shift with the duoburger
This project, running from 2024 to 2026 in the LEADER region "Vlaamse Ardennen tot Dender", introduces a duo-burger, made partly with meat and partly with legumes. The idea to create new farm products emerged during a ‘Dinner Hack’, where the Zwalmbeek farm challenged other players in the food chain to develop new value chains using local legumes.
Despite the benefits of legumes, farmers face barriers due to a lack of knowledge and local sales opportunities. This LEADER project creates new opportunities for farmers. If there is sufficient demand for legumes, they can start growing them and in this way contribute to agrobioversity in the region. The experience gained is being pooled to gather knowledge about crops and explore other marketing channels through farm butcher shops.
The project includes information meetings, demonstration fields, workshops for farm butchers, and the creation of a learning network for farmers. Experts provide support in areas such as cost calculation, crop selection, food safety, and the establishment of successful partnerships.
The Province of East Flanders
A Region of Opportunity, a Partner Fit for Cooperation
With a territory spanning 2,982 km², 60 municipalities, and 1.6 million residents, the Province of East Flanders offers a diverse environment ideal for projects with both local and regional impact. Our extensive experience in strategic policy development and the implementation of sub-regional initiatives makes us an ideal partner for pilot projects and sustainable investments.
For over 30 years, we have been a key player in cross-border, transnational, and interregional cooperation throughout Europe, bridging the gap between regional priorities and EU objectives.
© Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen
