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Glasu is the LEADER+ Programme in
Powys. LEADER+ pilots innovative approaches to rural
development to help develop more sustainable communities
in rural Wales.
There are seven LEADER+ programmes
in Wales. All LEADER+ programmes have the same principles
in that they work through: -
- Partnership with other organisations
in their areas, for example on Glasu's Local Action
Group there are representatives from the Farmers Union
of Wales, Coed Cymru, Brecon Beacons National Park, Powys County Council, DEFRA,
Welsh Assembly Government as well as people who are
involved in agriculture on a day to day basis;
- Piloting new approaches to rural
development;
- Supporting people who have ideas
they would like to develop at the grassroots;
- Joint working with other organisations
to develop projects, for example Glasu has worked
with Brecknock Hill Cheviots and Farming Connect to
look at alternative uses for wool and sheepskins.
Each LEADER+ group has a different
theme; Glasu has chosen adding
value to local products.
Glasu also works with specific target groups: -
- Micro and small businesses
- Farming families
- Co-operative and community groups
Glasu has three main areas of
work: -
Adding value to waste produced
in Powys and developing ways in which renewable
energy can be used in a rural environment, such
as wood pellets, transport fuels and waste management.
Adding value to food products
such as locally produced meat by developing new
products, trialling new food crops from the area
and looking at new ways of selling produce from
Powys.
Adding value to non-food
products, such as wool, wood and non-food crops.
Glasu supports people to test
ideas. Rather than giving grants, Glasu pays for people's
time, pays for the rent of land or premises that are
used in product development or crop trials, research
and use of laboratory facilities, market research and
feasibility studies. The results of projects that Glasu
has been involved in are published and made available
to the general public and related organisations.
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