Building a rural development reference database: the Rural Development Observatory (ODR)

The Rural Development Observatory (ODR) is a permanent public policy support system run by the INRAE department unit of the same name, at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture (DGPE). Its purpose is to develop and maintain a resource centre on the implementation of rural development regulations in France with databases, tools, methods, expertise, etc.

An observatory to produce data to monitor rural development

European regulations require Member States to evaluate rural development programmes, which are set out in a dedicated national plan. To this end, since 2006 the ODR has been providing support to the Ministry and the regions in monitoring the implementation of the Rural Development Regulation (RDR) and carrying out its evaluations. It brings together payment data and a set of relevant indicators and resources to better characterise the context, achievements, results and impacts of the various measures under the second pillar of the CAP.

A need for indicators gathered in a database

Indicators relating to European rural development aid are established at national level, as well as at the finer scales required to meet the specifications of the evaluations. They are grouped together in the ODR information system to constitute a record of the evaluation work and a reference base. With the decentralisation of programming in the regional rural development programmes (PDRR), the ODR is now the only complete database at national level on successive rural development programmes.

Useful data to analyse rural development policies

The work carried out by the ODR enables the development of research into the regional, economic, social and institutional factors behind the implementation and impact of rural development policies. It thus contributes to INRAE’s response to a number of major societal challenges while providing direct support to develop and implement public policies by national and regional authorities.

An agreement to govern the partnership and manage data

INRAE, the Ministry of Agriculture (DGPE) and the Agence de services et de paiement (ASP) signed an initial agreement in 2006. Since then, 4 new partners have signed the agreement: the ministry responsible for the environment (CGDD), the Caisse centrale de la Mutualité sociale agricole (CCMSA), the Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité (INAO), and Régions de France. The agreement details the organisation and content of the information system. The agreement in force for the period 2014-2024 is currently being renewed.