EBIC attends 10th European Congress of Young Farmers
December 2024
On 11th December, EBIC was represented by Aoife Bracken and Jess Fitch at the 10th European Congress of Young Farmers. The event brought together over 500 attendees, most of whom were young farmers from across the European Union. Hosted by the European People’s Party at the European Parliament, the Congress served as a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities young farmers face in building a sustainable and competitive future for agriculture.
One of the key themes of this year’s Congress was water resilience and its impact on European agriculture. Young farmers voiced their concerns through a live poll, emphasising the need for greater support from the EU to adopt sustainable tools and practices. Plant biostimulants are a critical part of the solution and will enable farmers to maintain productivity and resilience in the face of volatile climate events such as droughts and floods.
Christophe Hansen, the new Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, addressed the audience as part of a panel on generational renewal and underscored the EU’s role in helping young farmers remain competitive while fostering a future of sustainable agriculture. He stressed the importance of providing not just targets for sustainability but also tangible solutions. This includes addressing regulatory barriers, offering incentives, and delivering training to empower growers with the tools they need to succeed.
Plant biostimulants offer a unique advantage by enhancing plant health and productivity. These innovative products help improve nutrient use efficiency, boost crop resilience against stressors like drought, and support sustainable farming practices. As European farmers navigate increasing pressures from climate change and market volatility, biostimulants provide a pathway to competitive and sustainable farming.
A recurring theme during the Congress was the need to ensure generational renewal in European agriculture to guarantee food security for future generations. Attendees discussed ways to bolster investment in young farmers, including improving access to financial support, fostering innovation, and boosting resilience—especially water resilience—in farming systems. Hansen’s remarks reinforced the urgency of not only safeguarding Europe’s food production but also equipping the next generation of farmers to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
EBIC’s participation in this important event reaffirmed its commitment to supporting growers by advocating for innovative tools like biostimulants. By addressing regulatory barriers, providing access to sustainable practices, and fostering investment, we can help empower young farmers to drive European agriculture toward a sustainable and competitive future. Collaboration among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and farming communities is essential to achieving this vision.
For more information on the 10th European Congress of Young Farmers, visit the event’s website.
To learn more about how biostimulants support sustainable farming, visit EBIC’s page on farmers.