RECAP project: Bringing the Common Agricultural Policy Closer to Citizens 

As one of the EU’s longest-standing policies, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has shaped Europe’s food, farming, and countryside for more than 60 years. It is central to ensuring food security, supporting farmers, fostering balanced rural development, and advancing sustainability objectives such as biodiversity protection and climate action. Yet despite its vital role, public debate around the CAP is often polarised and influenced by misinformation or misunderstandings. 

RE-imagine CAP (RECAP) is an initiative co-funded by the European Commission under the Information Measures for the Common Agricultural Policy (IMCAP) programme (IMCAP-2025-INFOME). Coordinated by Re-Imagine Europa, the project will run in Belgium and Greece, focusing on young people in both urban and rural areas, farmers associations, schools and other key targeted societal groups. Its goal is simple but ambitious: helping citizens better understand and appreciate the CAP by making it accessible, engaging, and relevant to their daily lives.

At the heart of RECAP is a comprehensive communication strategy that blends traditional outreach with innovative digital tools. The project will roll out educational campaigns, social media initiatives, podcasts, workshops, farm visits, and even a CAP-themed board game. Content will be available in four languages—Greek, Flemish, French, and English—to ensure inclusivity and broad reach. By meeting young citizens where they are, both online and offline, RECAP will provide fact-based information about the CAP and the national CAP Strategic Plans of Belgium and Greece. 

To strengthen its impact, the project will draw on the research tools of the 1st European Narratives Observatory (NODES)and Re-Imagine Europa’s (RIE) REFRAME Depolarisation Methodology. These approaches will help identify dominant narratives, counter misinformation, and promote more constructive and balanced discussions about agriculture in Europe. By uncovering shared values across communities, RECAP lays the foundation for more inclusive and less polarised public debates. 

Building the future of Farming

Collaboration will be key. RECAP will bring together a wide network of partners, including young farmers’ associations, schools, universities, and media outlets. Special attention will be given to strengthening the network of young farmers in Greece, creating opportunities for them to exchange experiences, connect with their European peers, and play a stronger role in shaping the future of farming. 

Ultimately, RECAP aspires to create a lasting shift in how the CAP is perceived, especially among younger generations. By fostering awareness, countering misinformation, and encouraging informed dialogue, the project contributes to the European Union’s broader goal of strengthening trust in EU policies and building a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural future. 

In the long term, RECAP aims not just to inform, but to inspire a new generation of Europeans to see the CAP as part of their story: a policy that supports farmers, protects the environment, and ensures good food for all.