The trend toward local consumption is as much a part of the urgent response to the current crisis as it is of building a sustainable future.

Now more than ever, projects aimed at stimulating the sector must be encouraged and supported. That is why, in the wake of the “I’m Taking Action for My Canton” campaign and following last year’s success, the State Council is today launching a new call for projects to support the local economy and local consumption.

The crisis we are facing is unprecedented. The immediate priority is to regain control of the epidemic as quickly as possible to prevent a public health, economic, and social catastrophe. To complement these essential measures, unprecedented support is being provided to protect businesses and jobs. But beyond these immediate challenges, the crisis must also serve as a catalyst for necessary change. Making a habit of buying locally not only helps save jobs in the extraordinarily difficult circumstances we are currently facing but is also fully aligned with a commitment to sustainability.

Second Call for “ecoprox” Projects

Exactly one year ago today, the Council of State launched its first call for projects to support local businesses, revitalize city and town centers, promote local consumption, and foster partnerships. This new area of focus was fully aligned with its goals for the end of the legislative term, in collaboration with the four regions and in line with a sustainable development approach. This “ecoprox” call for projects was a resounding success: 75 applications were submitted, of which the canton supported the thirteen most promising initiatives. The document attached to this press release includes a summary of this first edition, as well as testimonials and concrete examples of what has been achieved.
In light of the current crisis, the State Council has decided to accelerate the launch of this second call for proposals. The criteria and procedures remain unchanged, and all relevant information and forms are available at www.ne.ch/economiedeproximite. The deadline for submitting projects is January 31, 2021, to the email address neco@ne.ch.

Call to the Public

After working alongside numerous partners throughout the fall as part of the “I’m Taking Action for My Canton” campaign, the State Council is today enthusiastically passing on the call to the public in the form of New Year’s resolutions:

  • I buy as many local products as possible;
  • I buy what I need at local stores;
  • I choose local businesses for my projects and assignments;
  • I do all my Christmas shopping here;
  • I'm spreading the word about the campaign to those around me and showing my support.

In addition to putting these resolutions into practice, the Council of State encourages everyone to show their support for the campaign on social media, to share their stories on the website www.agir-ne.ch (click on “I’m committed”), or to order promotional materials to further boost the campaign’s visibility and impact.

If we all pitch in, our efforts will make a difference!

Applications for funding under the “ecoprox” call for projects may be submitted through January 31, 2021, to neco@ne.ch. The eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, and application form are available at www.ne.ch/economiedeproximite.

 

To learn more about the results of the first edition, as well as testimonials and concrete examples of what was accomplished, please see the press kit.

For more information on the “local economy” initiative, visit the Neuchâtel Canton website .