Banding together for better agricultural reform
The 'CAP reform and building a knowledge-based agriculture in rural areas of the associated candidate countries' (CAP-ACC) project sought to improve opportunities for the smooth adaptation to the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The focus on knowledge dissemination and necessary actions for implementing policy to facilitate sustainable development of rural economies was relevant to Member States (MSs) as well as Associated Candidate Countries (ACCs). Project efforts aimed at enhancing knowledge of the various elements of the CAP reform, identifying the common objectives of stakeholders regarding adaptation and facilitating their communication for further possible collaboration. Other CAP-ACC objectives centred on boosting the involvement, commitment and engagement of stakeholders and beneficiaries. This was achieved by setting up a platform for discussions and sharing of knowledge and experience. A variety of dissemination activities were key to the success of the project: published materials, participation in seminars, events and other visits, and press kits. The latter helped provide information on project activities to a wide audience. A specialised website was also set up, with the decision being made to maintain this beyond the project's duration. Project members produced a strategic document mapping the current state of the ACCs and relevant actions that policymakers need to consider for their smooth adaptation to the CAP. This document and other reference materials were distributed electronically as well as in hard copy. Relevant materials were also distributed at a CAP-ACC–organised conference. The event aimed to highlight the need for stakeholder and scientific community engagement to provide a knowledge base relevant to the CAP concept. This was considered an important step towards the development of sustainable functioning rural areas. Due to the short project duration and varying schedules of local, national and international events as well as availability of stakeholders, most dissemination and awareness raising activities were realised after the project officially came to an end. The diverse group of parties involved in the CAP-ACC contributed to the high quality of project outcomes and enabled the broad dissemination of knowledge.