Thematic Groups on CAP Implementation | EU CAP Network

The EU CAP Network, with the support of the CAP Implementation Contact Point, organises up to five Thematic Groups (TG) per year, selecting members from a public expression of interest. TG members (ca. 40 people per TG) represent a small but dedicated cross-section of informed and engaged CAP stakeholders from different parts of Europe who actively participate in meetings and other networking and knowledge-sharing activities.

Stakeholder-driven and time-bound, the TGs produce useful resources, including case studies, reports and videos.

The thematic work developed though the TGs contributes to the three General Objectives of the CAP:

fostering a smart, competitive, resilient and diversified agricultural sector ensuring long-term food security; 
supporting and strengthening environmental protection, including biodiversity, and climate action, and contributing to achieving the environmental and climate-related objectives of the Union, including its commitments under the Paris Agreement; and 
strengthening the socio-economic fabric of rural areas.

Ongoing Thematic Groups

Effective Approaches for Simplification within the CAP

Examining practical challenges facing CAP implementation and discussing concrete proposals that address simplification needs for beneficiaries and national administrations.

Valuing Farmers' Wider Contributions to Society

Exploring the broader societal value produced by farmers, sharing insights, experiences, good practice examples, and innovative ideas on how to raise awareness about the multiple roles of farmers in rural communities.

Economic Vulnerability of Farming

Sharing experiences on drivers of economic vulnerability, how challenges are being addressed and policy mechanisms under the CAP for addressing economic vulnerabilities in farming.

Gen Z: Leading Generational Renewal in Farming

Enabling members to assess the necessary changes in both policy and practice to foster greater engagement of young people in agriculture, and discuss their role in shaping rural areas.

Enhancing Biodiversity on Farmland for Improved Resilience

Sharing experiences on the changes in the design, implementation and uptake of initiatives on biodiversity and resilience of farming.

Explore the work of previous Thematic Groups

CAP General Objective 1 - Supporting viable farm incomes and enhancing sectoral resilience and competitiveness

CAP Strategic Plans: Monitoring Committees

Discussing innovative approaches for setting up and operating Monitoring Committees (MCs), sharing good practices, and exploring how MCs can support the implementation of CAP Strategic Plans.

CAP Strategic Plans: Towards Implementation

A platform for all stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of CSPs to exchange on key features, challenges and processes.

Strengthening the position of farmers in the Organic Food Supply Chain

Exploring current approaches to cooperation in the organic value chain, highlighting good practices and identifying potential areas of intervention.

Sustainability Agreements in the agri-food supply chain

Understand how sustainability agreements are currently framed and pursued, identifying advantages and challenges in pursuing sustainability objectives.

CAP General Objective 2 - Supporting and strengthening environmental protection, biodiversity and climate action

Green Architecture: Designing Green Strategies

Sharing experiences about the different approaches Member States chose in the implementation of the Green Architecture.

Design and Implementation of Eco-schemes in the new CAP Strategic Plans

Reflecting on the eco-schemes currently being implemented, and sharing experiences on what is working well and where improvements might be made for coming years.

Supporting the Needs of Forest-Dominant Rural Areas and Municipalities: Laying the Groundwork for a Network under the Forest Strategy

Exploring the socioeconomic and environmental needs, issues and opportunities for forest-dominant rural areas and municipalities - and their communities.

Landscape Features and Biodiversity

Bringing stakeholders together to discuss how to encourage improved diversity, coverage, connectivity and condition of landscape features within the farmed environment.

CAP General Objective 3 - Strengthening the socio-economic fabric of rural areas

Supporting the Mental Health of Farmers and Farming Communities

Identifying the most important, urgent and achievable goals to foster the mental health and well-being of farming communities, particularly farmers.

Nurturing Skills for a Thriving and Sustainable Agricultural Sector

Exploring needs and opportunities for the development and update of agricultural skills.

Rural Youth Employment: the Voice of Rural Youth

A holistic exploration of mechanisms to support the employment of young rural people, including job market developments, global trends, policies and funds.