Terras do Sicó invests three million in local development

The Terras de Sicó development association, which includes municipalities in the districts of Leiria and Coimbra, announced the provision of an investment of three million euros as part of the local development strategy “Terras de Sicó 2030”.

"This new programming cycle represents a major challenge for the intervention area — the municipalities of Alvaiázere, Ansião, Condeixa-a-Nova, Penela, Pombal, and Soure — including all parishes in the area," the association said in a statement.

According to Terras de Sicó, the projects to be supported should be geared towards "small investments in agricultural holdings, small investments in the bioeconomy and circular economy, investments in diversification, trade and associated services, innovation in marketing, short chains and local markets, and conservation and enhancement of rural, natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage (including smart villages)."

The implementation of the Community-Based Local Development (CLLD) strategy “Terras de Sicó 2030” is now starting following the approval of the Local Development Strategy “Terras de Sicó 2030 — The renewal of the commitment”, validated by the Management Authority of the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC) on the Mainland, adds the association.

The announced investment was ratified at the first session of the partners' assembly, on July 28, in Pombal, and aims to expand “the traditional good practice of the LEADER community initiative”.

Terras de Sicó, created in 1995, encompasses the municipalities of Alvaiázere, Ansião, Condeixa-a-Nova, Penela, Pombal and Soure, in the districts of Leiria and Coimbra, around the Sicó mountain range, with an area of approximately 1,500 square kilometers.