Flash News - Funds also included for landscape protectionThe European Union recently gave the green light to Tuscany's rural development plan which will allocate 840 million euros over the next seven years to approximately 370 communities.
The Brussels-approved plan allots 323 million euros (142 million of EU resources) to agricultural business development.
Funds will be used primarily to bring businesses up to speed with the latest technology, promote innovation and improve professional development for owners and employees alike.
Another 335.6 million euros (147.6 million from the EU) will aid in conserving biodiversity, safeguarding water resources and reducing water contamination in order to promote energy conservation and development of renewable energy sources.
Landscape protection is also included in the plan.
Unfortunately, urban areas are excluded from the funding, meaning that areas like Grosseto, Arezzo and Pistoia are not eligible even though portions of these regions are decidedly rural. Applications for funding will be available in October.
