Leader+ is a European Union initiative funded by European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF). Leader+ is aimed at assisting rural communities towards improving their quality of life and economic prosperity. The Leader+ method is built around the principle that decisions taken in the local area are more likely to meet the needs of the community. Communities that invest their own time and effort into designing, developing or delivering a service are also more likely to use and maintain that service.

Why Leader? LEADER+ is an acronym for the French title "Liaison Entre Actions pour le Developpement de L'Economie Rurale" (links between actions for the development of the rural economy).

The UK Leader+ initiative aims to co-fund small-scale, innovative projects that address local rural development issues. These issues are identified through a local development strategy which is drawn up by a Local Action Group.(LAG) Leader+ aims to involve local communities and test new approaches to integrated and sustainable development, that will also complement other rural development initiatives including the regional priorities and objectives, set out by DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

The LEADER+ programme addresses several drivers for change in rural areas throughout Europe (social, economic and environmental) and has identified four key themes:

1. Use of new know-how and technologies to make local products and services more competitive

2. Improving quality of life in rural areas (economic sustainability)

3. Adding value to local products (in particular local co-operatives, markets)

4. Making the best use of natural and cultural resources

The Fens LeAP LEADER+ programme addresses key theme 2. Improving the quality of life in rural areas.