• The CAP Networks of Spain and Portugal co-lead this initiative of the European CAP Network (EU CAP Network).
• The first meeting gathered proposals and common objectives that will define the future actions of the communication "Cluster"

Collaboration, shared goals, networking... All of this makes up what is known as a cluster , a concept under which the European CAP Network ( EU CAP Network ) has opened the door to a new way of collecting ideas and taking action by European CAP networks.

This approach involves the grouping and regular meetings of the European Union's (EU) national CAP networks with the aim of sharing their experiences and generating synergies.

Spain leads along with the National Rural Network from Portugal the so-called “ Communication Cluster , involvement of first pillar agents and dissemination of the CAP strategic plans” .

The inclusion of the powers of the first agricultural pillar regarding aid and measures in the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 ( PEPAC 23-27 ) requires updating criteria regarding the coverage and dissemination of new content, as well as a reflection on communication methods. This cluster aims to achieve this collectively and through a community-based approach.

First meeting

The PAC Network and the National Rural Network organized the first meeting of the cluster on July 6 , in a day attended by representatives of the EU CAP Network and the networks of Austria, Slovenia, Ireland, the Netherlands and Romania .

The event served as a meeting and presentation for the networks' communications managers.

The meeting led to the generation of a series of initial proposals that will be discussed in future meetings:

1. Creation of a document with conclusions, concrete measures and good communication practices that are being adopted in the cluster 's activities.
2. Define who the stakeholders are and who the National Networks should focus their attention on to improve their communication with them. In other words, define the target audience.

Other proposals have involved trying to get the cluster to find ways for the CAP Networks to help each other, find synergies, and share the communication tools they use.

Likewise, the main communication difficulties that are usually encountered were asked, to which the following responses were given:

1. Lack of interest on the part of stakeholders.
2. Digital divide of potential target users.
3. Lack of resources to generate content.
4. Lack of an up-to-date network of contacts.
5. Problems arising from the transition of identity from the National Rural Networks to the current National CAP Networks.

The next session is scheduled for late September or early October , depending on the availability of European networks.

Other clusters of the EU CAP Network

The other thematic clusters that bring together the National CAP Networks are the following:

• Territorial Antennas , which Spain also leads through the PAC Network.
• Rural youth and generational change.
• Smart Villages and Digitalization in Agriculture.
• LTVRA (Long Term Vision for Rural Areas), Rural Pact and Rural Observatory.
• Green Architecture and Eco-Regimes.
• Evaluation and monitoring of the CAP.
• AKIS, knowledge exchange and innovation.