A new era of cooperation for the European agriculture

In a period of transition and open political debate on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, the event held in Brussels at the initiative of GAIA EPICHEIREIN in the context of the COOPinCAP project “Cooperation for Sustainable Agriculture” highlighted the importance of cooperation as a lever for a fair and sustainable agriculture in Europe.

The event brought together actors from all over Europe — European agricultural cooperatives, producer associations, agricultural chambers, institutional representatives and policy makers — creating a rich and cross-border network of participants that added substantial depth to the dialogue on the challenges and prospects of the sector.

The event focused on the book “The true value of agricultural cooperatives – Challenging 10 misconceptions“, distributed within the context of COOPinCAP. This book offers a documented response to entrenched stereotypes, illuminating through examples the real image and dynamics of agricultural cooperatives in Greece. The presentation of the book served as a basis for fruitful dialogue among the participants.

The discussion continued with the presentation of the project “Digital Transformation of the Agricultural Sector”, a working example of modern cooperation in Greece. This project, based on the collaboration of producers, cooperatives, technology companies and public bodies, highlights how joint efforts and digital tools can lead to practical solutions for a more sustainable and efficient agriculture.

As Europe prepares for the new Multiannual Financial Framework and the decisions on the future CAP, participants noted that this period holds both challenges and opportunities. The need to reconsider priorities and strengthen cooperation is a common assumption.

In his statement, Anestis Trypitsidis, CEO of GAIA EPICHEIREIN, noted: “Cooperation is not an option. It is a prerequisite. Especially today, in a period of transitions, crises and the search for new balances. For us, it was an opportunity to meet with the agricultural community and the European institutions, to listen, exchange views and propose solutions based on the real needs of producers.“

For his part, Vasilis Pyrgiotis, Head of the Brussels Office and coordinator of the event, stated: “This initiative was an opportunity to listen to each other and to bring the agricultural community to the same table with its institutional and technological partners. The power of cooperation is not theoretical, it is the only way to shape policies that respond to the real needs of production and the countryside.”

The event “The Power of Cooperation for the Future of the CAP” demonstrated that cooperation is not just an idea, but a necessary practice for the future of agriculture in Europe, a living hub where policy and practice meet to shape a better tomorrow.