EU CAP Network Expands Thematic Collaboration to Strengthen CAP Implementation

The EU CAP Network is placing greater emphasis on thematic clusters as a practical tool to strengthen the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with four cluster meetings already held in the first months of 2026.

The initiative is helping National Networks across Europe exchange experience, align priorities, and shape future activities around key rural and agricultural challenges.

Since the start of the current programming period, thematic clusters have brought National Networks together around specific areas of interest, creating space for both in-person and online collaboration.

Among the most prominent discussions so far has been the cluster focused on rural youth and generational renewal, coordinated by the Portuguese National Network. The January meeting explored how National Networks can better engage young people in rural areas, with participants highlighting the importance of mapping rural youth organisations in each country as a first step toward stronger partnerships and more targeted outreach. The topic reflects a broader strategic priority, as generational renewal continues to be seen as essential for the long-term sustainability and viability of European agriculture.

Another important cluster, dedicated to regional antennae and coordinated by the Spanish National Network, highlighted the growing relevance of rural proofing and the role of decentralised structures in ensuring that policies are better adapted to local realities. Discussions also reinforced the idea that rural development extends well beyond agriculture, touching on areas such as education, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, public services, and community life.

At the same time, a newly launched cluster on LEADER and Smart Villages is examining how these approaches can support rural development under future CAP frameworks, while another new cluster—led by the Irish National Network—is focused on consultations for the upcoming National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs), with early discussions already showing strong interest in how Member States can better involve stakeholders in shaping the post-2027 CAP.

The EU CAP Network currently has eight active thematic clusters covering areas such as communication, eco-schemes, CAP evaluation and monitoring, innovation and AKIS, rural youth, regional antennae, LEADER and Smart Villages, and NRPP consultations. Together, they are becoming an increasingly important mechanism for turning shared knowledge into more coordinated and effective CAP implementation across the EU.

The role of Agriventures in supporting agrifood innovation

As the agritech startup ecosystem grows across Europe, initiatives such as Agriventures are helping connect entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and policymakers working in agriculture and food innovation.

Agriventures focuses on supporting agrifood startups, biotechnology innovation, and access to European funding for agriculture, while also helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of startup financing, venture capital, and research commercialization.

By strengthening connections between startups, research institutions, investors, and farmers, Agriventures contributes to building a stronger agricultural innovation ecosystem that can accelerate the transition toward sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.

Through knowledge sharing, events, and ecosystem building, Agriventures helps ensure that promising agritech innovations can scale and reach farmers, food producers, and global markets.