1st National Networks Meeting - Report

The event presented an overview of the Network mapping exercise, undertaken by the CAPI CP in the second half of 2022 in close collaboration with the National Networks (NNs). The findings were presented in relation to the seven CAP NN objectives, as defined by Art. 126 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, and provided a good common ground for further parallel working sessions.

Following an interactive exercise where NNs were grouped into geographic clusters, the discussion continued with parallel working sessions organised around the seven NNs objectives. These are: increasing stakeholders' involvement; accompanying the Member States’ administrations in the implementation of CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs) and the transition to a performance-based delivery model; contributing to CSP implementation; contributing to the information of the public and potential beneficiaries on the CAP and funding opportunities; fostering innovation and knowledge exchange in agriculture and rural development; contributing to monitoring and evaluation capacity and activities; and contributing to the dissemination of CAP Strategic Plans results.

The event was also an opportunity to announce the upcoming ARIA - Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards 2023 - and overall to underline the key role of EU-level networking in strengthening agricultural and rural development.