Council Regulation (EC) No. 1257/1999 on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and amending and repealing certain Regulations.

This Regulation lays down the framework for Community support intended to achieve sustainable rural development. Such support shall consist of financial subsidies and incentives to be granted by the EAGGF (European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund). Support for rural development, related to farming activities as well as their conversions, shall cover: (a) the improvement of structures in agricultural holdings and structures for the processing and marketing of agricultural products; (b) the conversion and reorientation of agricultural production potential; (c) the introduction of new technologies and the improvement of product quality; (d) sustainable forest development; (e) the maintenance and promotion of low-input farming systems; (f) the preservation and promotion of sustainable agriculture respecting environmental requirements; (g) the removal of inequalities and the promotion of equal opportunities for men and women, particularly by supporting projects initiated and implemented by women.
The Regulation is divided into the following five Titles: (I) Scope and objectives; (II) Rural development measures; (III) General principles, administrative and financial provisions; (IV) State aid; (V) Transitional and final rules. Rural development measures shall be constituted by subsidies and incentives granted by the EAGGF Guarantee Section throughout the Community in the following fields of intervention: (a) investment in agricultural holdings; (b) setting up of young farmers; (c) training; (d) early retirement from farming; (e) less-favoured areas and areas with environmental restrictions; (f) agri-environment (agricultural production methods designed to protect the environment and the countryside); (g) improving processing and marketing of agricultural products; (h) forestry (sustainable forest management; maintenance and improvement of forest resources; extension of woodland areas); (i) promoting the adaptation and development of rural areas. Less-favoured areas are given particular consideration under Chapter V of Title II. Farmers in less-favoured areas may be supported by compensatory allowances. Such areas shall include mountain areas (art. 18), other less-favoured areas (art. 19) and areas affected by specific handicaps (art. 20). As regards programming, the competent authorities designated by the Member States shall draw up rural development plans to be thereafter submitted to the Commission (art. 41). Rural development plans shall include the information required under article 43.