2nd EPP Group European Congress of Young Farmers: shaping the future of agriculture

The 2nd European Congress of Young Farmers will take place on the 29th of January in the European Parliament, following the success of the first congress in 2012.

"This is a great opportunity to promote and support the work of young farmers in the EU and their value in agriculture. It will gather together hundreds of farmers from 19 Member States on a single platform, sharing experiences and good practices”, said the organisers of the event, EPP Group MEPs Nuno Melo, Elisabeth Köstinger, Mariya Gabriel and Maria Auxiliadora Correa Zamora.

The selection jury will award three prizes for the best young farmer overall, the most sustainable project, and the most innovative project in competition.

Portuguese MEP Nuno Melo said: “The future of European agriculture depends on its constant process of renewing features in order to attract new generations that will safeguard its continuity. This congress plays an important role by gathering together young farmers to the political heart of Europe, promoting a competition of projects and experiences that stand out through their excellence.”

“Agriculture is one of the most vital and innovative sectors in the economy. We must set as a European goal the promotion of the positive aspects of agricultural entrepreneurship and motivate young people to work in agri-business, establishing innovative solutions for their individual futures”, commented Austrian MEP Elisabeth Köstinger.

Bulgarian MEP Mariya Gabriel added: “The European Parliament is one of the top defenders of young farmers in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This is as evident today as it was when shaping the CAP for the period 2014-2020. We need to continue on this path if we want to keep young people in the sector and save agriculture in Europe."

“The new CAP comes into force with specific measures for young farmers, promoting investment, innovation and the transfer of skills. The 2nd European Congress of Young Farmers takes this spirit on board. Without young farmers in the sector today, there will be no agriculture tomorrow”, concluded Spanish MEP Auxiliadora Correa.

The congress is being organised in cooperation with Case IH & Steyr, the Confederation of Portuguese Farmers, and the Spanish Farmers Organisation (ASAJA).