The 11th EPP European Congress of Young Farmers took place today under the topic « Young farmers: Toward a prosperous future for farming in Europe #ReFarmEU ». This year marked an unprecedented level of engagement, with a record 540 young farmers at the European Parliament and over 1,000 participants following the event online. The Congress served as a major platform to showcase innovative and resilient projects submitted by young farmers from across Europe.
Europe’s future grows with young farmers
« The average farmer is 57 years old, and only 12 percent are under 40. The situation is becoming critical, and we urgently need to support a new generation of farming professionals. It’s simple: without farmers, there is no food, » said MEPs Herbert Dorfmann, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Paulo do Nascimento Cabral and Carmen Crespo Díaz today at the opening of the 11th EPP European Congress of Young Farmers.
Launched in 2012 by the EPP Group, Portuguese Farmers Confederation (CAP), Spanish Farmers Association (ASAJA), the event has become a landmark in the agricultural calendar with a clear objective: to listen to young farmers, their experiences, and challenges, as well as their vision for making this profession more attractive, fairer and full of opportunities for future generations. « Both organisations have young people in their DNA, and that is why we are confident that we will be able to improve the EC’s proposal by ensuring that young people’s money is ring-fenced, » stated CAP and ASAJA.
The Congress also welcomed EU Commissioner Christophe Hansen, who discussed the new “Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture” presented in October directly with young farmers.
The proud winners were Ryan Portelli, from Malta, Aleš Čadež, from Slovenia, and Joana Vacas Freixa, from Portugal.
Ryan Portelli, from Syneco, developed a digital farm management platform that integrates real time monitoring, weather data and resource tracking, allowing farmers to optimise water use, reduce waste and make informed decisions. The project demonstrates how digital innovation can support productivity and environmental sustainability on farms of all sizes.
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« Congratulations to Ryan on this well-deserved award. As farming rapidly becomes more digitally integrated, tools like this will be essential for farmers to operate smarter and with greater confidence, » said Olivier de Matos, director of CropLife Europe. « Reflecting that conviction, CropLife Europe members committed significant investment in digital and precision agriculture. Our sector wants to deliver the innovative technologies and data-driven solutions that farmers need to succeed » he concluded.
Aleš Čadež impressed the jury with a project focused on climate resilient dairy production, combining sustainable pasture management, animal welfare improvements and renewable energy solutions. His approach highlights how young farmers are adapting to climate pressures while maintaining high quality production.
« I am honoured to deliver the award for Best Energy Efficiency Project to Aleš Čadež for the Lavrih field planter with paperpot system. Aleš’s commitment to more sustainable and responsible farming, is an inspiration. At SolarPower Europe, we believe there are many synergies to be found between farming and clean energy production. Agrisolar is a win-win solution that offers financial benefits to farmers while supporting their climate resilience. We are honoured to support this year’s Young Farmers Congress and strengthen the link between our two sectors, » said Dries Acke, CEO of SolarPower Europe.
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Joana Vacas Freixa leads a transformative initiative to restore and manage the traditional Montado ecosystem and pasturelands at Herdade da Torre. Her work improves biodiversity, strengthens local value chains and enhances access to rural services, ensuring that communities can thrive while preserving an emblematic Mediterranean landscape.
« Joana Vacas Freixa’s passion for her project in Portugal makes her a worthy winner of the Best Society Engagement Project award. By focusing on the local environment and needs in Alentejo, and developing a vision that is innovative and sustainable, she shows the way for others. In programmes across Europe McDonald’s is supporting young farmers, women in agriculture, and projects to increase sustainability and local sourcing. We are delighted to sponsor the Congress and warmly congratulate Joana on her award, » said Anna Borys, Anna Borys, Senior Director Government Relations Europe – IOM at McDonald’s.
Exceptionally, in this edition, the Congress granted an extra award: Best Young Farmer of the Year to Aleš Čadež.
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