The President of the Chamber of Agriculture, Dr. Arūnas Svitojus, participated in an international conference in Budapest organised by the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture. The format of the conference brings together chambers of agriculture and other active farmer self-government organisations from as many as 19 European countries. Participants included leaders from the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Estonia, Lithuanian Chambers of Agriculture, and representatives of agricultural authorities and ministries from Bulgaria, Portugal, Italy, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland and others. Participants included representatives of Copa-Cogeca, ELO, IFOAM organisations.

"The future of the CAP is the subject of many forums. Copa-Cogeca and all active farmers' self-management organisations represent the interests of their members, but to achieve results we must not only discuss but also join forces to represent our interests in the EU institutions. Of course, to reach a consensus, we need discussions, coherent positions and the formulation of a unified policy by the representatives of the farmers' self-government. The future of the CAP is based on the present, and the present CAP and its rules determine the daily lives of farmers. What do you think is positive about the current CAP compared to the previous one, and what are the elements that cause the most difficulties for farmers? What are farmers' reactions to the adjustment of the GAEC in spring? So the work of all the leaders of the conference organisations and of Copa & Cogeca is very important, because we are looking not only for cooperation among ourselves, for information exchange, but also for influencing decision-makers in the EU institutions. Today we have discussed restrictions on farmers and other food producers in the context of the environment, animal and plant health, animal welfare and food safety. We all agreed that all restrictions and bans should be accompanied by an impact assessment and long-term projections. Tomorrow we will discuss sustainable agriculture, CAP measures, the renewal of generations in the countryside, etc.“, informs Dr. Arūnas Svitojus, President of the EAA.