This continues to be an important policy area, as well as increasing economic opportunities and jobs in off-farm and non-agricultural sectors. Several policy initiatives include the Smart Agriculture and the 6th industrialisation of agriculture driven by the Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development (MAFRA). Better alignment with other policy areas such as education and skills policies is essential for rural growth strategies so that the regions can retain the young generation and link their skills with local assets. Decentralisation of financial resources and authority should be encouraged.