The International Conference of Producer Organisations (ICOP), due to take place on 15-16 November in Brussels, Belgium, is this year set to focus on 'perspectives', looking into the future prospects of the fruit and vegetables sector.
Following five successive events in Vienna, Austria, ICOP is moving to Belgium for this sixth edition in order to strengthen the event as a platform for European producer organisations.
ICOP is organised by Austrian consultancy gfa (Gesellschaft für Absatzförderung), which stated in a press release the increasing importance of networking with producer organisations as competition intensifies.
'Working together and cooperation are essential,' it said, 'and the ICOP offers this possibility, being a platform for networking and for the exchange of experience.'
With discussions ongoing regarding CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) reform after 2013, ICOP's organisers believe there should be a focus on the importance of a strong and independent Common Market Organisation, with producer organisations being used as a key tool.
