Chamber of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania (CARL) is an umbrella organisation that unites agricultural and rural NGOs and represents the common interests of all the people of the rural areas. It is the most important institution of farmers society. Re-established in 1991, CARL is a direct successor of the Chamber of Agriculture that existed in 1926-1940.

CARL’s mission is to strengthen the competitiveness of agriculture and rural areas and the growth of civil society in Lithuania. Through a dialogue with the government CARL lobbies for decisions that are better suited to agriculture and rural development.

Having a mandate form it’s members, CARL takes care of the perspective and strategy of agricultural and rural development, draws attention of state officials and the public to possible consequences of various decisions. Today CARL is the main and universally acknowledged organiser of social dialogue between Lithuania’s rural population and the state. In 2007 CARL became a member of the most important institution of social dialogue – the Tripartite Council. CARL is also a member of the Lithuanian Rural Network, which enables us to strengthen the processes of agricultural and rural development and the spread of information, knowledge and good practice.

CARL’s activities:

· Representing the interests of rural population to the state officials: participating in meetings, negotiations, discussions, working groups, advice on legal documents.

· Representing the interests of Lithuanian farmers at the international level: co-operation, visits, various events, meetings with foreign partners, membership of international organizations (Copa-Cogeca, IDF, Council of Baltic agricultural organisations).

· Strengthening agricultural NGOs, rural development and local initiative: negotiating the interests of the members, supporting their initiatives, other needed help and support.

· Filling the functions of a social partner in the vocational training sector.

· Promoting co-operation in the agricultural sector: information and consultations on the benefits of co-operation, supporting new co-operatives.

· Education of farmers and rural population, monitoring the quality of education.

· Issuing the “Green Diplomas” – certificates of capability to administer students’ working practices.