Speaking out for the farmer

The first European representative organisation, the Committee of Agricultural Organisations (COPA), was created in 1958.

One year later, the agricultural cooperatives of the European Community created their European umbrella organisation, COGECA (General Committee for Agricultural Co-operation), with which COPA merged in 1962.

Questions include:

• How do you ensure that you are a true voice of the industry - representing the interest of all parties and not just those that are most vocal or have most political sway?



• How well established are agricultural organisations in the accession countries and do you think that developing them will be important?



• Do you think then that the new members will be able to compete effectively in the wider European market?