RURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS

The introduction of the concept of Rural Development in the Basque Administration led to the creation of MOUNTAIN AGRICULTURE ASSOCIATIONS, which formed in the mid 1980s, under the new Decree 394/1985 of 30 December. The Decree's Article 7 states:

"The Mountain Associations will be private entities (...) whose purpose is to serve as a channel for the participation and development of farmers, the food and agriculture industries, the rural tourism sector and the region's local administration (...)"

The evolution of the rural community and wider society led to the 1998 approval of the Rural Development Law and the simultaneous updating of the role of regional entities. 

Thus, the Rural Development Law establishes the Rural Development Associations (ADR) as instruments of participation and collaboration of economic and social agents in rural development activities in their regions. ADRs are the principal referent for rural development activities in the Basque Country's regions.

ITSASMENDIKOI

The Public Limited Company ITSASMENDIKOI, LTD., as an instrumental company of the Department of Agriculture and Fishing of the Basque Country, has as its mission the planning and development of Rural Training, Promotion and Development activities, based on policies and strategies defined by the Department.

ITSASMENDIKOI offers solutions to the demands of both the primary sector and the populations of the rural areas of the Basque Country, working closely with agents and entities involved in the primary sector and Rural Development.

ITSASMENDIKOI's general objective is to re-establish the territorial balance of our Basque Country, raising rural living conditions to the level of those in urban areas and encouraging the preservation of culture and traditions. Specific objectives include the settling and increase of populations and the betterment of quality of life.