Publication of the evaluation study on the CAP’s impact on knowledge exchange and advisory activities

Common agricultural policy (CAP) measures are generally effective, efficient, relevant, coherent and add value with regard to knowledge exchange and fostering advisory activities and innovation in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas. However, there are weaknesses, including a low uptake of measures (reaching about 10% of the EU farms and 20% of CAP beneficiaries) and implementation varies across Member States. These are among the key findings of the evaluation support study on the Common Agricultural Policy's impact on knowledge exchange and advisory activities published today by the European Commission.

This evaluation support study contributes to an overall evaluation of the CAP's impact on knowledge exchange and advisory activities, which will be concluded with the publication of a Commission report (Commission staff working document) later in 2021. The latter will include the outcome of the public consultation on the same topic that ran from 10 November 2020 to 2 February 2021, whose factual summary was also published today. The publication includes an executive summary in English and French, providing a concise overview of the study and its recommendations.

The objective of the evaluation is to provide a basis for determining whether the CAP objective of ‘fostering knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture, forestry and rural areas’ has been achieved. The evaluation covers all EU farm policy measures that have an impact on knowledge exchange and advisory activities, focusing on knowledge transfer, innovation and the provision of advice for farmers and foresters.

Background

As the agricultural and the forestry sectors evolve, farmers must continuously adapt their knowledge in relation to business management, agricultural innovations as well as environmental conditions, food safety and health conditions. The first initiatives for a better exchange of knowledge and innovation as well as advisory activities for farmers and foresters were established during the 2007-13 CAP. The 2014-20 CAP includes measures aiming at fostering advice and knowledge exchange, in particular the Farm Advisory System, certain rural development measures and European Innovation Partnerships.

Knowledge exchange and information activities bring together farmers and foresters, networks and all kind of organisations involved in innovation and knowledge processes. Advisory activities help farmers, foresters and other land managers to better understand and improve the sustainable management and overall performance of their individual holding or business.

Related links

The CAP´s impact on knowledge exchange and advisory activities

EU farm policy — evaluation of its impact on knowledge exchange and advisory activities

Common monitoring and evaluation framework

Farm advisory system