General information
Tartu Rural Development Association
WHO WE ARE: TARTU RURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION is a local action group (LAG) in South Estonia.
The main aim of the association is to develop a rural living environment in the partnership of three sectors.
One important task of the LAG is to implement EU LEADER programme in the region of Tartu.
The association is one of the biggest LAGs in Estonia.
INFORMATION OF THE REGION: Area: 2,612 km2. Population: 35,422. Density of population: 13.6 inhabitants
per km2. The region of Tartu Rural Development Association surrounds the city of Tartu which is the second largest city in Estonia. The region has diverse nature, developed economy, rich historical and cultural traditions. Tartu County is situated between two big lakes - Lake Peipus and Lake Võrtsjärv. Peipus is a border lake between Estonia and Russia, and Europe´s fifth largest lake. Peipus and Võrtsjärv are connected by River Emajõgi which has a high value for tourists. The villages of the Russian Old Believers on the shore of Lake Peipus are very unique and lend a special cultural value to the area. Alongside farming, fishery is an important activity in the regions near Lake Peipus and Lake Võrtsjärv. Some of the Estonia´s most fertile lands and successful farmers can be found in the region of Tartu, which gives around 10 % of the whole of Estonian agricultural production. The main branches of industry are wood and furniture, glass, food and beverages, clothes. The timber industry is the most evenly developed. About one-third of Estonian print production comes from Tartu County. The universities and research institutions located in the city of Tartu offer good opportunities to develop knowledge intensive production.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES: Our strategic programme focuses on the quality of life and best use of natural and
cultural resources.
5 key areas:
LOCAL COMMUNITIES: active and viable communities;
YOUNG PEOPLE: strong relations between young people and their community;
traditions and common values, diversity of activities;
ENVIRONMENT: sustainable development of the area, tourism, new natural products;
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: promoting new ways and ideas to develop the region; new local products and services;
CO-OPERATION NETWORKS: thematic co-operation networks and international relations; communication and
PR work; training and study trips to improve capacity building; kick-start of necessary development activities.
CO-OPERATION PARTNERS:
Regional development organizations - Tartu Business Advisory Services, Peipsiveere Development Agency,
Non-profit Association „Kodukant Tartumaa” (Native Place Tartu County), Tartu County Youth Council,
Tartu County Tourism Foundation, Peipsi Centre for Transboundary Co-operation, Association of Local
Authorities of Tartu County, Tartu County Government, Tartu City Government;
Local action groups in Estonia - Põlvamaa Partnership, Valgamaa Partnership, Võrumaa Partnership Assembly,
Võrtsjärve Development Association, Borderlands Leader, Green Riverland Partnership, etc;
Ministry of Agriculture and Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board;
International co-operation partners – local action groups in Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Italy
and the Czech Republic.
COLLABORATION INTERESTS:
Mutual exchange of experience;
Development of international co-operation between members;
Participation in different co-operation projects
OTHER INFORMATION:
Name of the organization: Tartu Rural Development Association
Country: Estonia
Established: 27.07.2006
Organization type: NGO
Membership: 94 (November, 2009)
Local authorities: 16 (Alatskivi, Haaslava, Kambja, Konguta,
Laeva, Luunja, Meeksi, Mäksa, Nõo, Peipsiääre, Puhja, Tähtvere,
Vara, Võnnu, Ülenurme and Tartu)
Entrepreneurs: 40
Non-profit organizations: 38
Board: 16 members
Chairman: Viktor Muuli
Vice-chairman: Aksel Kivi
Working languages: Estonian, English, Russian
Contact person: Kristiina Liimand
Position: chief executive officer
Contact information
E-mail: kristiina.liimand@tas.ee, tas@tas.ee
Phone: +3727430088; +37253409873
Website: www.tas.ee
