EU CAP Network Launch Event - Report

The launch event of the EU CAP Network celebrated an important development regarding networking in agriculture and rural development at the EU level. The previous two rural networks, ENRD with the Evaluation Helpdesk and EIP-AGRI, joined forces and merged into a single European CAP network, aiming to assure even better and more streamlined support in implementing the new CAP and Strategic Plans.

In this transition, supporting and learning from each other is crucial. The existing networks have played an important role in connecting rural stakeholders, sharing information, knowledge and good practices in the current programming period. With the new CAP, the role of networking becomes even more important, as it will involve new stakeholders, and cover the whole range of CAP interventions (Pillar I & II), including cross-cutting issues such as innovation or AKIS.

The event celebrated the launch of the new EU CAP Network and highlighted the role of its four supporting strands - on CAP implementation, innovation, evaluation, and communication. Overall, the event highlighted the importance of recognising that the EU CAP Network represents all stakeholders, and to use their collective and individual voices to promote the CAP in making a difference to agriculture and rural areas.