Information measures relating to the common agricultural policy

The information measures covered by this Regulation are aimed at explaining the challenges and changes contained in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to farmers and the general public. They make an essential contribution to the effective implementation of Community activities in the fields of agriculture and rural development.

ACT

Council Regulation (EC) No 814/2000 of 17 April 2000 on information measures relating to the common agricultural policy.

SUMMARY

The aims of the information measures relating to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are:

• explaining, implementing and developing the CAP;
• promoting the European model of agriculture and helping people to understand it;
• informing farmers and other parties active in rural areas;
• raising public awareness of the issues and objectives of the CAP.

The information measures are as follows:

• specific or annual nformation measures such as talks, audiovisual productions, information campaigns, information stands at agricultural fairs, mobile workshops, etc. presented by organisations (legal persons) established in a Member State for at least two years, such as agricultural NGOs, consumers’ associations, public authorities, the media or universities.
• activities implemented at the Commission’s initiative.

Measures covered by a legal obligation and those receiving funding under another Community action may not claim aid under this Regulation.

The Community cofinancing rate, under the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF), generally amounts to 50% of the eligible costs. In special cases, it may be 75 %.

Events eligible for Community cofinancing for information measures in the field of the CAP include information measures such as televised debates, audiovisual productions, seminars, publications, participation in international events or information campaigns including several of the measures referred to above.

The Commission publishes a call for proposals in autumn each year (in 2009, publication took place on 9 September and proposals were to be submitted by 31 October).

Projects are selected on the basis of their quality and cost-effectiveness.

For measures to be cofinanced in 2010, the amount of funding is at least EUR 20 000 and at most EUR 200 000. The end of the evaluation procedure has been set at 30 April 2010 in the knowledge that the applications selected will be the subject of an agreement between the Commission and the recipients governing the rights and obligations arising from the Commission’s funding decision.

The European Commission monitors, checks on and analyses measures receiving Community funding.

The European Commission regularly issues a report on the implementation of information measures to the Parliament and to the Council.

RELATED ACTS

Implementing procedures

Commission Regulation (EC) No 2208/2002 of 12 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for applying Council Regulation (EC) No 814/2000 on information measures relating to the common agricultural policy [Official Journal L 337 of 13.12.2002].Amended by Regulation (EC) No 1820/2004 [Official Journal L 320 of 21.10.2004].

See also

Last updated: 25.11.2009