One of the main new features of the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) programming period 2023-2027 is the development by each Member State of the European Union (EU) of a CAP Strategic Plan that integrates, in a single plan, rural development policies (the interventions of the 17 autonomous communities and supra-autonomous measures) as well as agricultural policies (basic income support, including eco-schemes, associated and sectoral aid). In this regard, the Spanish CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (PEPAC) was approved on August 31, 2022.
As a result of these changes, the National Rural Network (RRN) has evolved into the CAP Network , which continues to be a platform that connects all individuals and entities related to rural areas . But it is now also the meeting point for stakeholders linked to agricultural activity , also supporting the policies of the first pillar of the CAP during this period. All of this is aimed at disseminating and ensuring compliance with the objectives of the CAP and facilitating their implementation throughout the country. Organizations, administrations, advisors, researchers, innovation agents, as well as, from now on, producers and other representatives of the agricultural sector, will continue to collaborate with the network, with the aim of promoting knowledge transfer and cooperation.
Therefore, by incorporating aspects of both the first and second pillars of the CAP into the CAP Network, one of its main new features is the expansion of its scope of action compared to the former NRN . Thus, once the CAP objectives and the needs assessed in the CAP-PE have been compiled, the following seven priority work themes for the CAP Network have been established:
- Resilience and competitiveness
- Quality and food chain
- Rural revitalization (includes LEADER)
- Women
- Climate change and natural resource management
- Biodiversity and landscape
- Innovation
However, despite a name change and an expansion of the work topics to the first pillar, the PAC Network's work is similar to that of the NRN, as are the operating principles and collaborative networking methodology of the former NRN.
On the other hand, the second major change is that the PAC Network is becoming an open network without membership . This change in governance means that the former NRN Executive Committee and Assembly no longer exist. However, to maintain the strong network of contacts and work carried out by the NRN for 14 years, all members who comprised the assembly of the former NRN are still invited to participate in all PAC Network activities, as well as to submit proposals and suggestions for collaboration.
It is worth noting that the PAC Network specifically continues to support Local Action Groups , public-private partnerships created around a region to boost its social and economic fabric and engage the local population.
Likewise, it will continue to promote connections at the European level, participating in working groups ( clusters ), meetings with national networks of other Member States, meetings, among others, through the European CAP Network (EU CAP Network) .
At the regulatory level, the CAP Network is established based on the European Regulation on Strategic Plans (R (EU) 2021/2115) , and at the state level, through the PEPAC and the Royal Decree on Governance (RD 1046/2022) , which define the objectives and tasks of the CAP Network, which can be summarized as follows:
- Facilitate networking.
- Disseminate information.
- Collect projects and good practices.
- Training and connecting at European level.
Regarding its dissemination and awareness-raising efforts, special mention should be made of the quarterly publication of the Savia Rural magazine , the monthly newsletter , and the development of other studies and analyses on topics relevant to the PAC Network.
Finally, regarding management and coordination, the unit responsible for the CAP Network is the Subdirectorate General for Agricultural Policy Planning (SGPPA) within the General Secretariat of Agricultural Resources and Food Security of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA).
To learn more about the operation and specific actions of the PAC Network , please consult the following documentation: