A major award was given to ASAJA-Sevilla, co-partnered by Copa-Cogeca, today for its communication campaign "CAP: Future for Farmers Future for Society" to raise awareness of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and farming amongst citizens
With Eurobarometer figures showing a lack of public understanding about the CAP, the project aimed to inform consumers about the CAP and explain how support for farmers benefits society at large. The project used a wide range of methods including 5 city farm events across Spain and Portugal, a photo competition and 6 exhibitions held in Spain, Portugal and Brussels as well as a European Conference in Sevilla for stakeholders and other outdoor events. It exceeded its initial target, reaching over 5 million people. The jury claimed it was a clever campaign using a smart mix of communication channels.
Speaking at the EU Commission award ceremony, Jose Fernando Robles from ASAJA-Sevilla stressed “We have been working hard to show our citizens the importance of the CAP and the role played by farmers. We are proud of the fact that the last Eurobarometer showed that 92% of Europeans are aware of the importance of agriculture for the European Union. I hope that with this project we have contributed to raise this awareness”.
Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said “Communication to citizens on the benefits of the CAP and of the valuable work farmers do is vital and this communication campaign has been a great success. Farmers and agri-cooperatives play a crucial role, being the driver of rural economies, and producing quality food which respects high animal welfare and environmental standards.”
The Campaign "CAP. Future for Farmers Future for Society" by ASAJA-Sevilla was co-partnered by Copa-Cogeca and the Portuguese Farm organisation CAP, UAGN, ASAJA-Soria and ASAJA-Balears . A campaign “Innov’Action: Balancing economic,social and environmental performance” which aimed at exchanging and promoting innovative farming practices reaching 30 000 farms by Chambre Agriculture de France was also selected for an award for Communication to Stakeholders.
