The European Commission has launched the CAP@50 communication campaign to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Common Agricultural Policy, a cornerstone of European integration, that has provided European citizens with half a century of food security and a living countryside. The year-long communication campaign includes an interactive website, an itinerant exhibition, audio-visual and printed materials, as well as a series of events in Brussels and the Member States.

"2012 is an important year not only to remember the past 50 years of history, but especially for us to look ahead towards a new reform of the Common Agricultural Policy", says Dacian Cioloş, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development. "Back in 1962, Europeans were predominantly worried about having enough food on their plates. Today food security remains important, but we have also new concerns such as climate change and the sustainable use of natural resources. This campaign will help to reflect on this evolution".

Under the slogan "A partnership between Europe and Farmers", the CAP@50 campaign has been launched today in an inter-institutional event in Brussels gathering more than 150 guests involved in the history and current reform of the CAP, from the EU institutions, but also former Commissioners of Agriculture and stakeholders. (See the campaign launching video animation).

Several national launching events are also foreseen in the six founding members of the EU : Germany (Berlin, 20 January); Italy (Verona, 2 February); France, (Paris, 27 February) and Benelux (tbc, 4 April).

Throughout 2012 a series of events will be organised at national and EU level and an itinerant exhibition will travel around Europe from spring 2012. The exhibition will be displayed in several EU Institutions and Member States.

The 50 Years of CAP website in 22 languages will present a video showing how agriculture affects your everyday life and a video statement by the Commissioner presenting the campaign. Information on different events taking place all over Europe will be continuously updated on the website. The logo "50 Years of CAP. Ready for the future" will be available for downloading on the campaign's website.