A streamlined EU policy for developing rural Europe was worked out in Cork at the weekend by 500 delegates who attended the largest ever conference on the subject.
Delegates ratified the "Cork Declaration", which outlined the needs of those involved in developing rural Europe and how these should be met.
The EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Franz Fischler, told the closing session that the policy should be in place by 1999.
He told a press conference later that a single fund was needed for rural development, to replace the three funds from which resources are drawn. The policy should operate from the ground up, to preserve the diversity which had to be protected.
He said the EU had a respectable range of rural development schemes which would have to be co ordinated under reformed rules. "I cannot tolerate that they do not dovetail", he said.
Mr Fischler envisaged that reform of the beef and milk regimes early next year might provide additional funding for rural development and repeated his conviction that mainstream agriculture was extremely important to rural communities.
The Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Jimmy Deenihan said he agreed with the basic principles outlined.
He praised the involvement of Irish women in rural development and said they appeared to be carrying the bulk of the work involved in rural tourism, crafts and other activities.
The declaration urges Europe's policy makers - to raise public awareness about the importance of a new policy to make rural - areas more attractive to live and work in for a growing diversity of people of all ages.
It called on the policy makers to support a 10 point programme and co operate as partners to fulfil the goals set out.
The programme, which will be presented to the Inter Governmental Conference in Dublin Castle next month, says sustainable rural development must be put at the top of the EU agenda and underpin rural policy now and after enlargement. This aims at reversing rural out migration, combating poverty and stimulating employment.
It also calls for support for diversification and for a sustainable policy to keep intact the quality and amenity of the rural landscape.