At the recent Youth Policy Dialogue convened by the European Commission, participants delivered a vital message to Agricultural Commissioner Christophe Hansen: to shape a resilient and innovative agricultural landscape in Europe, engaging the youth is not just beneficial; it’s essential.
Young people are critical stakeholders in the quest to create a sustainable farming and food system that serves all members of society.
Engaging Young Voices
Helene Schmutzler, Senior Policy Officer at IFOAM Organics Europe and a representative of the Organics Europe Youth Network, expressed the profound inspiration she felt from collaborating with passionate and talented young individuals across multiple sectors during the dialogue.
She emphasized a collective belief that addressing the needs of young farmers and entrepreneurs is fundamental for achieving long-term sustainability and resilience in Europe’s food and farming landscapes.
Schmutzler advocated for a structured, collaborative approach that amplifies young voices in the development of agricultural policies.
She pointed out that youth are particularly inclined toward organic farming and sustainable economic practices, underscoring their potential to drive meaningful change within the food system.
The anticipation surrounding Commissioner Hansen’s upcoming vision document is palpable, with young advocates hopeful that it will resonate with vital themes of generational renewal and sustainability as derived from insights gathered during the Strategic Dialogue.
A Moment of Change
The declaration issued following the Youth Policy Dialogue marks a pivotal moment in engaging young people constructively in the policymaking process within the EU.
This dialogue, part of a larger initiative by the European Commission, empowers the youth to speak directly with decision-makers about the future of agriculture.
The 2024 Youth Policy Dialogue, which took place on December 11th, focused on collaboratively envisioning the future of farming, food systems, and rural development.
Young participants from an array of agricultural, rural, and environmental organizations engaged deeply with Commissioner Hansen, tackling issues related to the economic viability of food systems, sustainability, and the vital need for generational renewal in farming and rural communities.
Organizational Support
Endorsed by nine organizations that champion various rural, agricultural, academic, and environmental issues, this declaration not only recognizes the Youth Policy Dialogue as a critical starting point for empowering young voices in EU policymaking but also supports the Commissioner’s commitment to prioritizing generational renewal in his forthcoming vision for European agriculture and food systems.
- Agroecology Europe Youth Network
- European Coordination Via Campesina (ECVC) – Youth Community
- European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA)
- Young EFFoST (European Federation of Food Science and Technology)
- Youth Committee of the European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (EFFAT)
- International Association of Students in Agriculture and Related Sciences (IAAS)
- The Organics Europe Youth Network (IFOAM)
- Slow Food Youth Network
- Young Friends of the Earth
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Source: Bioecoactual