Social capital, collective action, agroecology and cooperation are the four leading principles proposed to policy makers in the national CAP reform of 2020. By showcasing the BOND Project’s chosen regional activities and analysing their scope and implications, this report argues that the European farming sector needs a fresh approach, based on inclusive rights for underpriviledged farming communities, innovative grassroots knowledge and experience.

Methodologically, this argument relies on the project’s three pillars: See, Learn and Tell. ‘See’ meant visiting other fields, listening to peers’ best practices. ‘Learn’ meant exchanging ideas and developing new perspectives. ‘Tell’ meant sharing new acknowledgments and expanding the project’s reach to indirect beneficiaries.

Two main common problems arose: lack of cooperation and rural underdevelopment; distorted food prices and support of quantity over quality. In order to solve these issues, the report proposes that CAP must be subject to transparent and open decision-making processes. Furthermore, short value chains are a model for territorial development and collective action can be strengthened by formalising new or already existing networks. Lastly, law revisions using human rights tools are needed to develop inclusive and equitable strategies.

The BOND Project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research & Innovation programme under grant agreement N° 774208.