In order to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector (axis 1 of the rural development strategy), Member States are encouraged to focus support on the following key actions:

- restructuring and modernisation of the agriculture sector;

- improving integration in the agrifood chain;

- facilitating innovation and access to research and development (R & D);

- encouraging the take-up and diffusion of information and communications technologies (ICT);

- fostering dynamic entrepreneurship and encouraging the entry of young farmers into the profession;

- developing new outlets for agricultural and forestry products;

- improving the environmental performance of farms and forestry.

So as to improve the environment and the countryside (axis 2 of the rural development strategy), Member States are encouraged to focus support on key actions such as:

- promoting environmental services and animal-friendly farming practices;

- preserving the farmed landscape and forests;

- combating climate change by appropriate agricultural and forestry practices;

- consolidating the contribution of organic farming;

- promoting territorial balance and the attractiveness of rural areas;

In order to improve the quality of life in rural areas and encourage diversification of the rural economy (axis 3 of the rural development strategy), Member States are encouraged to support the following key actions:

- raising economic activity and employment rates in the wider rural economy;

- encouraging the entry of women into the labour market;

- putting the heart back into villages by integrated initiatives combining diversification and business creation;

- developing micro-business and crafts, which can build on traditional skills or introduce new competencies;

- training young people in skills needed for the diversification of the local economy;

- encouraging the take-up and diffusion of information and communication technologies;

- developing the provision and innovative use of renewable energy sources;

- encouraging the development of tourism;

- upgrading local telecommunications, transport, energy and water infrastructures.

To build local capacity for employment and diversification (Leader or axis 4 of the rural development strategy), Member States are encouraged to focus support on key actions such as:

- building local partnership capacity and promoting skills acquisition;

- promoting private-public partnership by encouraging the Leader innovative approaches to rural development;

- promoting cooperation and innovation by local initiatives such as Leader and support for diversification;

- improving local governance by fostering Leader innovative approaches to linking agriculture, forestry and the local economy.