Rural networking update: New statistical data and more

News from the National Networks (NNs) supporting Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans includes the recent release of the new Common Network Statistics (CNS) Summary Report 2022, outcomes from September’s 2nd NN meeting, knowledge exchanges in NN clusters, as well as activity by Austrian and Dutch NNs.

The latest set of CNS data provides an insight into quantitative outputs of National Networks for 2022 and highlights the development achieved by EU rural networking including 10 097 publications in 2022, identifying 4 914 good practices and organising 3 907 events. This year’s CNS complements a catalogue of similar statistical data on EU rural networking since 2018. The regular, informal NN regional cluster meetings have been used as an ideal place to promote the CNS results.

Thematic NN clusters have also been sharing information between NN peers in topic areas like the Long-term vision for rural areas and the NNs’ use of regional antennae. NNs’ key takeaways from the High-level Rural Policy Forum in Spain were highlighted. Portugal, Czechia, Slovakia, Poland and hosts Spain all have experience to offer other Member States that could be interested in managing antennae, ‘focus offices’, or regional employees to expand their outreach nationally. Following the success of the work of regional clusters, Thematic clusters have evolved covering communication, AKIS, Long-term vision for rural areas, Youth, Smart Villages, Green Architecture, Evaluation and Regional Antennas. Another new piece of interesting NN information has been published recently stemming from the last EU-wide networking event for NNs. During the 2nd NNs Meeting in September (a highlights report is available online), an interactive session called ‘The Stakeholders Archipelago' explored ways to enhance communication and engagement among specific Pillar 1 stakeholders within the NNs. The new Synthesis document that we have now published based on the outputs of this session which sought to cover the interests of farmers, farmer organisations, environmental NGOs, researchers, producers' organisations & cooperatives, and advisers.

CAP stakeholders such as these groups will continue to be a focus for the NNs. For example, this was reflected at the recent launch of the Austrian CAP Network. Participants here noted the opportunities from the CAP’s results-based approach as well as benefits from bringing agriculture and environmental protection and climate change adaptation and mitigation to be more focused together (including reinforcing LEADER’s roles in acting globally by thinking locally).

Other news from around the NNs features a recent study trip to Brussels by the Dutch NN. Our colleagues at the EU CAP Network welcomed the NN during their two-day study visit, which also involved discussions with DG AGRI policy staff, CEJA Young Farmers and the European Environmental Bureau, among others.

Send us your news from your NN using the email address nn-meetings@eucapnetwork.eu and we will do our best to network your stories in our monthly newsletter.