The objectives of this Thematic Group are to: Discuss the key characteristics and roles of future farmers. This exchange will also consider the identified challenges and opportunities for young and aspiring farmers over the next 10 years, and review the current CAP measures. Explore the role of networks and communities in rural areas and their importance for young aspiring farmers. Examine potential future scenarios and suggest policy recommendations to support generational renewal in agriculture and to empower future farmers to be sustainable and resilient in the long term. Provide a space for young aspiring entrants to share their expectations, challenges and experiences regarding generational renewal.
This Thematic Group, facilitated by the EU CAP Network, will enable you 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. Express your interest in joining the Thematic Group until 9 September 2024.
In the evolving landscape of agriculture, young people are crucial in shaping the future of farming and rural areas. Future farmers and rural areas must be deeply integrated, with agricultural activities embedded in local economic and social environments. Generational renewal goes beyond merely reducing the average age of farmers in the EU. It involves understanding the needs and aspirations of young people living in rural areas, who could drive the future of farming and vice versa. It is important to empower the new generation of young farmers to harness the full benefits of technology and innovation for sustainable farming practices in Europe.
Furthermore, it is vital for young people to engage in diverse networks and communities in rural areas, including professional and cultural groups, and connections with consumers, researchers, and business partners. These networks and communities facilitate information exchange, collaboration, and innovation, empowering the next generation of farmers to adapt to new challenges, learn, interact, socialise, and seize new opportunities. Policies that support the creation and management of these networks and communities will be crucial for improving the attractiveness and resilience of rural areas and future farmers.
The CAP 2023-2027 not only facilitates the establishment of young farmers and new entrants, it also supports young entrepreneurs across various economic sectors, enhancing their social inclusion and community engagement. This policy aims to strengthen the socio-economic fabric, making rural areas more attractive for young people to live and work in, thereby investing in rural viability and vitality.
Building on existing groundwork, the TG aims to explore the key characteristics of future farmers from the perspective of young people. This TG will have Generation Z as its main target group, as they are the ones looking towards their future.
The meetings will be held in English, without interpretation.
Kustannuksien korvaaminen
There is no charge for attendance at these meetings. However, for the in-person meeting, travel and accommodation costs may only be covered for TG members representing farmers, farmer organisations, LEADER Local Action Groups, European and national non-governmental organisations, researchers/Universities. All other TG members will need to pay for their own travel and accommodation costs.
Näin haet mukaan
The number of places in the TG is limited. If selected, and in fairness to all applicants, we require your firm commitment to participate in both meetings and to engage in TG activities in between meetings (e.g. informal online discussions).
In case of over-subscription, participants will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:
Necessary
- Involved in agriculture or plan to be, strong motivation and innovative ideas to help design the profiles of future farmers;
- Priority will be given to participants aged between 18 and 27 years old to ensure the inclusion of Generation Z perspectives.
- Capacity and willingness to engage, network and exchange effectively at national, regional and local levels;
- Ability to communicate clearly in English without interpretation; and
- Firm commitment to participate in two meetings of the Thematic Group in person in Brussels, and the activities in between.
Desirable
- Commitment to share design and implementation models and best practices with other members during the TG activities; and
- Commitment to share TG outputs with other colleagues or networks outside of the TG.
Please note that when selecting the Thematic Group members from the expressions of interest, the EU CAP Network will – to the extent possible – also consider the need to ensure a balance of participants from EU Member States, sectors and topics, and gender. Successful applicants will receive a confirmation of participation as soon as possible and by the end of September 2024 at the latest.