The European Commission (DG Agriculture and Rural Development) has today opened a call for applications for groups wanting to participate in the new Civil Dialogue Groups related to EU Agriculture and Rural Development issues.
Replacing the current system of CAP Advisory Groups from July 2014, the new Civil Dialogue Groups will cover 14 different themes:
- Animal Products
- Arable Crops
- CAP
- Direct Payments and Greening
- Environment and Climate Change
- Forestry and Cork
- Horticulture, Olives and Spirits
- International Aspects of Agriculture
- Milk
- Organic Farming
- Quality and Promotion
- Rural Development
- Wine
- Women in Rural Areas
The aim of these groups is to maintain a regular dialogue with the Commission and provide input, advice and feedback on policy issues relating to the Common Agricultural Policy, including its implementation and new measures the Commission may be called on to take.
Applications are open (from April 1) until April 30 and are limited to EU-level NGOs that are registered in the Joint European Transparency Register. Membership will be for a period of 7 years.