What is RECAP

Re-imagine CAP (RECAP) is a project co-funded by the European Commission as part of the Information Measures for the Common Agricultural Policy (IMCAP) program (IMCAP-2025-INFOME). The project aims to raise awareness and foster a better understanding of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) among EU citizens in Belgium and Greece. Particular attention is given to youth in both urban and rural areas, young women, farmers, and other rural stakeholders. 

THE CHALLENGES

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) plays a vital role in supporting farmers, strengthening productivity, sustaining rural communities and ensuring that citizens have access to safe and nutritious food. Yet, for many people, especially younger generations, it often feels distant, overly technical, or even divisive. This gap between policy and public understanding has been amplified by oversimplified debates that frame the CAP as a battleground of opposing interests, with examples such as “the environment versus productivity”, or “climate goals versus farmers’ livelihoods”.

While some concerns about the CAP are legitimate, they are often expressed in ways that can overshadow its broader objectives and positive impacts. Misperceptions and polarised narratives can create confusion or division, and in some cases have been used as political tools to distort facts or spread misinformation, which further erodes trust. Once mistrust takes root, it becomes difficult to establish an open and inclusive space for dialogue or to agree on constructive solutions.

To break this cycle, we need a more balanced and informed conversation about the CAP that helps depolarise the debate. A conversation that acknowledges its challenges but also recognises its vital contributions to our daily life. RECAP was created to support this effort: providing a clearer and more accurate understanding of this policy framework and building new narratives that bridge divides, foster trust and overcome disinformation.

OUR APPROACH

To help broaden public understanding of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) , RECAP will build on insights from the 1st European Narratives Observatory (NODES), following Re-Imagine Europa’s (RIE) Depolarisation Methodology. This research shows that people often interpret facts in very different ways depending on the “narrative community” they belong to. Fortunately, this also means that what unites us is often stronger than what divides us, and recognising this dynamic is the first step toward building bridges and creating a more constructive dialogue. To address polarisation, we will adopt depolarisation methodology strategies focused on analysing narrative dynamics: mapping different perspectives, building bridges across communities, and identifying common blind spots.

Using this research, we will delve into the intricacies of how the CAP works and its impact on citizens lives, emphasising its role in sustainability, rural development, and food security. We will also focus on how the CAP is perceived by diverse communities of young people, including school children, teachers, high school students, and university students, across both rural and urban areas, paying particular attention to young women who remain under-represented in the agri-food sector. By listening to these groups, the project will observe their perception and experience with this policy framework and will seek to co-create constructive and inclusive narratives that reflect their realities.

This project is built on collaboration, ensuring that many voices are heard and included throughout the process. By bringing together diverse participants and working closely with schools, universities, young farmers, and their associations, we aim to share the CAP in ways that are relevant, accessible, and engaging. Our goal is to build awareness and highlight its significance for people’s lives today and for the future.

During the project, we will organise activities using creative educational formats: from multimedia explainers and infographics designed to make the CAP more accessible, to webinars, training sessions, and farm visits that will allow young people to see its impact first-hand. Also, a video-podcast series, Re-Imagine Agriculture, will give voice to young farmers and experts who are shaping the future of the sector.

OBJECTIVES

  1. Help citizens better understand the CAP and how it affects their lives.
  2. Share constructive stories that foster healthier public dialogue on the future of farming in Europe.
  3. Create narratives that highlight the positive impact of the CAP on communities, farmers, and citizens.
  4. Support coordination and knowledge exchange among young farmers.

Behind this effort is the European think-tank Re-Imagine Europa.