The Minister of Rural Development, María Jesús Susinos, participated this Tuesday in the signing of 33 contracts corresponding to projects financed through the LEADER 2023-2027 program. These actions represent a global investment of 1,039,216 euros, of which 722,168 euros come from public aid aimed at strengthening the economic, business, and social fabric of the area, under the management of the GAL Valles Pasiegos.
At the event, Susinos was accompanied by the president of the GAL and mayor of Villacarriedo, Ángel Sainz Ruiz, members of the entity's Board of Directors, and several mayors from the region, who supported the promoters of the selected initiatives.
Throughout the day, the minister had the opportunity to learn in detail about the supported projects and talk with their managers, highlighting the impact of these subsidies on the territory. In this regard, she emphasized "the importance of the LEADER program as a fundamental tool for revitalizing rural areas, generating opportunities, and retaining population in the territory."
Furthermore, she stressed that each initiative symbolizes "the commitment of entrepreneurs, companies, and entities to the Valles Pasiegos," a region that, in her words, is "a clear example of how rural development can be synonymous with innovation, sustainability, and the future."
According to the Government, the signed contracts correspond to proposals from entrepreneurs, companies, and entities from different municipalities, focusing on areas such as the launch of new economic activities, the modernization of existing businesses, the improvement of services, agri-food transformation, the introduction of new technologies, the promotion of tourism, and the enhancement of local resources.
For his part, Sainz Ruiz expressed his gratitude for the Ministry's support and acknowledged the effort made by the promoters to materialize projects that strengthen the economy and social cohesion of the Valles Pasiegos. He also highlighted the high participation and the variety of proposals received, "a reflection of the dynamism of the region," he noted.
Rural Ticket LEADER and new business initiatives
A significant portion of the funds is directed towards the creation of new companies, with a particular emphasis on the Rural Ticket LEADER line, designed to facilitate the start-up of businesses and promote population retention in rural areas.
Susinos has reiterated that "entrepreneurship is key to the future of our towns" and has assured that programs like the Rural Ticket "help many people to develop their life project in rural areas with guarantees".
Through this line, projects linked to hospitality, commerce, professional services, and crafts are supported, contributing to diversifying the economic structure and creating employment in the region.
The investments will allow for the modernization of facilities, optimization of production processes, and reinforcement of the commercialization of local products. Furthermore, the projects integrate elements of innovation, digitalization, and improvement of the quality of services offered.
Among the planned actions, the launch of a traveling exhibition promoted by the Association itself stands out, with the aim of disseminating the environmental, cultural, and landscape values of the Pasiegos Valleys.
The LEADER strategy thus strengthens itself as an essential tool to face the demographic challenge, betting on job creation and generational renewal. Since the beginning of the 2023-2027 period, the Association has processed 79 files, which have mobilized 4,566,585 euros in investment and 2,584,605 euros in public aid.
In this context, Susinos has reiterated that the Government of Cantabria will maintain its support for this type of project because "they are essential for building a living, dynamic rural environment with a future".
In the same vein, Sainz has emphasized the need to ensure the continuity of the LEADER approach in the next 2028-2032 period, highlighting its relevance as an instrument of participation and governance close to the territory.