Suche
New impulses for the Upper Palatinate: ILE AOM strengthens rural development!
On October 2nd, 2025, the ILE AOM will meet in Freystadt/Sulzbürg to discuss rural development and local projects.
New impulses for the Upper Palatinate: ILE AOM strengthens rural development!
An exciting meeting of the ILE AOM (Integrated Rural Development Upper Palatinate-Middle Franconia) action alliance took place in Freystadt/Sulzbürg on October 2, 2025. Under the motto “Together we are stronger!” Numerous representatives from 118 municipalities came together to discuss the future of their rural regions. The event was opened by Alexander Dorr, the first mayor of Freystadt and ILE spokesman, and offered various insights into ongoing projects and challenges in rural development.
Johanna Bär presented the ILE AOM's current projects at this meeting, which met with great interest among those present. Michael Neft and Daniela Wehner from ALE Oberpfalz reported on the latest topics and trends in rural development. One focus of the discussion was the founding of cooperatives, which Dr. Wolfgang Fruhmann from Jurenergie eG spoke.
Innovative approaches to mobility and quality of life
A central topic was needs-based mobility, which Isabel Meier from the Neumarkt i.d.OPf district office. introduced. Beate Huber-Beck also impressed the participants with her presentation of a barrier-free e-rickshaw, which was financed by the regional budget of the ILE AOM. Such projects are part of the initiative to save resources and increase the quality of life in rural regions.
Particularly noteworthy was the visit to the bee project at the Martini School Freystadt, where the participants not only gained insights into beekeeping but were also able to taste honey. This underlines how important the combination of education and practical projects is for the homeland. Mayor Dr. Martin Hundsdorfer welcomed the participants in Sulzbürg and emphasized the importance of local initiatives.
Cultural heritage and local economy
The cultural past of Sulzbürg came to light through the lecture by Prof. Dr. Heide Inhetveen spoke about the Jewish cemetery. Such topics are crucial to strengthening citizens' historical awareness and engagement with their region. A visit to the Sulzbürg village shop, which was revitalized by the Ismaier family with their Café Zwillingsschnecke, also shows how local companies can contribute to revitalizing and strengthening the community.
Also present was Jana Hiemer, who presented her “vegetable farm on the Mühlbach”. The principle of market gardening that she follows is not only environmentally friendly, but also promotes the local economy and strengthens the sense of community in the place.
Shaping the future together
In summary, the ILE AOM meeting shows that cooperation in rural regions is of great importance. The Bavarian State Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry (StMELF) supports such inter-communal alliances so that challenges can be better overcome and potential for attractive living, housing and working conditions can be tapped. By creating an Integrated Local Development Concept (ILEK), municipalities can receive funding that is specifically tailored to their needs.
Rural development is a community project characterized by cohesion, creativity and commitment from everyone involved. The inspiring examples and discussions that took place at this meeting are another step towards a prosperous future for the region.
Further information about the ILE AOM and its projects can be found in the article by Neumarkt Current as well as on the pages of New territory plus and Bavaria’s land-saving offensive.