Role of regional and rural development policy in supporting small-scale agribusiness in remote areas

Authors: Derek Baker, Jens Abildtrup, Anders Hedetoft and René Kusier.

This report summarises discussions with small and isolated food industry firms about the role of regional development policy in their meeting commercial and social challenges. Specific challenges examined and discussed with the firms included the presence of powerful food industry buyers, innovation and new product introductions, and the use of networking amongst firms. Firms described their experience with regional and rural development assistance, and expressed their specific needs in the context of their commercial and social environment. They requested policy changes.