Since 2015, Rhineland-Palatinate has been promoting investments in the processing and marketing of regional products within the framework of regional value chains. The IfLS was commissioned to carry out an in-depth study to gain a better understanding of the low take-up of the funding to date. On the basis of the results of the survey and an expert workshop, the IfLS submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Economics, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture on how to redesign the measure and improve external framework conditions. The recommendations for action concern, among other things, the areas of processing and marketing structures, sales, bureaucratic requirements and the design and orientation of the measure.
As the main reason for the low implementation of the measure its low level of awareness was identified. Potential beneficiaries need to be addressed more intensively through appropriate institutions such as chambers and guilds of crafts. Information tools, such as a measure description, must also be better tailored to the applicants. However, the investment measure cannot solve structural problems such as the sharp decline of small family businesses in villages and communities in recent decades or the shortage of skilled workers.
In response to the results of the ad hoc study, the Ministry has made changes to the design of the measure and initiated closer cooperation with organisations in the relevant sectors.
You can download the ad hoc study under this link (in German).
Contact persons at IfLS: Bettina Spengler (spengler[at]ifls.de) and Jörg Schramek (schramek[at]ifls.de)
