Thgurt: why small agricultural organizations need to prepare for EU rules now

Today, large agrarian associations are already the flagships of this process. They have the expertise, access to discuss decisions, understanding of the logic of reforms, and resources to influence the agenda. Instead, small and regional agricultural organizations risk finding themselves in a situation where the new rules are already in place and they do not even understand what exactly is required of them.

This is the biggest challenge. Does your organization meet the EU requirements for sector representation? Do you know what role producer organizations should play in the European model of agricultural policy? Do you understand how EU regulation in the field of agricultural policy, food security and sectoral organization will affect your activities? If not, there is a risk that when the sector starts working under the new rules, some organizations will simply be unprepared for it.

That is why we at the Center for Policy Analysis «THMIST» are launching the project «Thgurt» with the financial support of the European Union. The aim of the project is to strengthen the capacity of small and regional agricultural organizations, to provide them with knowledge, guidance and practical understanding of the changes that are already approaching. As part of the project, participants will not just get a general idea of European integration, but will also understand how European agricultural policy works and what place producer organizations play in it. The course will cover the logic and tools of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, the role of producer organizations, associations of producer organizations and intersectoral organizations in the CAP model, and the requirements for their representation, governance and functions.

Participants will also learn how the EU's agricultural support financing and control mechanisms, common market organization, marketing standards, quality policy, trade rules, protection against unfair trade practices, as well as requirements in the field of food safety, product safety, traceability, biosafety and animal health work. For specific sectors, such as fruits and vegetables, milk, wine, hops, fish and aquaculture, there are special modules that take into account additional EU regulation.

In addition, the project will provide for exchange with European producer organizations, training in strategic and financial management, membership, advocacy, and advocacy tools, and for the most engaged participants, facilitation support in developing development strategies and capacity building plans.

We are currently conducting a survey of agricultural organizations to understand their actual level of awareness, needs and challenges. Those who are interested in further participation in the project can fill out the form right now. Because in the context of European integration, it is not enough to just exist as an organization.

You need to be capable, knowledgeable, and ready to represent your sector under the new rules. Otherwise, someone else will do it for you."

Ellina Yurchenko, Head of the Center for Policy Analysis THMIST