The European Union formalised an interventionist stance in the form of regional policy in 1975. Institutional structures have evolved, both public and private. These are examined, within a European context, in terms of their contribution to rural development. Both public and private institutions are studied. Rural Development rhetoric at a European level stresses not only the improvement of material conditions of rural people, but also increased participation and control over the external and internal influences which impinge on them.
New stakeholders influence the regulation of rural areas.
This is due to different social groups with interests in rural areas. It includes traditional inhabitants of rural areas such as farmers and also migrants who move into rural areas from urban areas, conservationists and environmentalists who have a vested interest in the biodiversity of certain rural areas, and people using rural areas for recreation. Therefore the policy context shifts with these changing interests. Institutions must also respond to this complexity, and agricultural institutions can no longer be considered of pivotal importance for rural development. Most rural development workers will operate within formal organisations such as government ministries, non-profit organisations, private firms, parastatals and cooperatives.