The ACFA is a consultative forum composed by a number of European organisations representing various interests relating to the CFP. The basic concept of representation underlying ACFA is that local and national organisations in the Member States representing these same interests should take part in ACFA through their European affiliation.
ACFA is consulted by the Commission on measures related to the CFP. ACFA may also issue an opinion on its own initiative.
ACFA is made up of 21 members representing the following interests:
Private ship-owners (EUROPECHE) 4 seats
Co-operative ship-owners (COGECA) 2 seats
Producers organisations (EAPO) 2 seats
Molluscs and shellfish farmers (EMPA) 2 seats
Fish farmers (FEAP, COPA COGECA) 2 seats
Processors (AIPCE) 2 seats
Traders (CEP) 2 seats
Fishermen and employees (ETF) 2 seats
Consumers (BEUC) 1 seat
Environment NGOs 1 seat
Development NGOs 1 seat
In addition, both social partners in the Social Sectoral Dialogue Committee (the workers and the employers) have one representative each.
The members of ACFA are considered to be speaking on behalf of the European Organisations to which they are representing.
The preparatory meetings of the different European Organisations member of ACFA to exchange views and reach a common position on issues that will be discussed in ACFA are partly financed by the Commission (grant agreements). The participation of representatives from ACFA (1 to each RAC and 2 to the STECF and ICES meetings) may be financed through these agreements.
The ACFA Plenary meetings are prepared by four working groups