The European LEADER Association for Rural Development (ELARD) is an international non-profit making association established in 1999 by the National LEADER Networks of different EU Member States.

Today ELARD represents more than 800 Local Action Groups (LAGs) that manage the LEADER+ Community Initiative and/or National Programmes for Rural Development.

ELARD aims to support rural and regional development under LEADER philosophy, to promote experience sharing through its members and partners, and to promote networking and cooperation through transnational projects.

Furthermore, after the 2004 and 2007 EU enlargements, ELARD has been making efforts to provide the newly established rural networks in the new member states with valuable information and support.