CEJA Young Farmers' Gazette | January 2025
Dear CEJA’s LinkedIn Network,
Welcome to the first edition of CEJA’s newsletter in 2025. As always, this monthly recap brings you the latest on our policy, projects, events, and the incredible contributions of European young farmers. We hope this format continues to keep you informed and engaged, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments section.
January has been a month of intense policy work and strategic discussions, setting the course for the year ahead:
The first Working Group of the year focused on CEJA’s vision for agriculture and food, the Action Plan on Generational Renewal, and key legislative files such as the Common Market Organisation (CMO), Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs), and New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). Internal discussions also tackled the future of the CAP and water management, laying the groundwork for CEJA’s position in these areas.
This month, we officially kicked off our new Erasmus+ project, CORE, reinforcing CEJA’s commitment to supporting young farmers through innovation and collaboration. Meanwhile, SafeHabitus events are in full swing, with ongoing Focus Groups and a Seminar in March dedicated to social protection in agriculture.
Our Vice-President, Elisabeth Hidén, represented CEJA at the World Economic Forum (WEF), ensuring that the voice of young farmers is heard at the highest level. While CEJA President Peter Meedendorp visited the Green Week in Berlin to exchange with farmers, stakeholders and policymakers.
As the year unfolds, CEJA remains committed to advocating for young farmers and shaping the future of European agriculture. Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Policy developments & internal discussions
CEJA is appointed to the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF)
CEJA has been appointed to the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF), with its President, Peter Meedendorp, representing Europe's young farmers. This marks a significant step in ensuring future generations have a voice in shaping agricultural policy.
Reflecting on the nomination, Meedendorp stated:
“CEJA, as a participant to the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, made everything in its power to maintain dialogue open and was instrumental in enabling consensus on many fronts. We are committing to the Board with the same mindset and enthusiasm, always with the ultimate ambition to make the voice of new generations in agriculture better heard by policymakers and stakeholders alike”.
CEJA remains dedicated to promoting generational renewal and advocating for young farmers' interests at the highest decision-making levels in Europe.
Read the full press release here: https://ceja.eu/press-releases/1981
Institutional developments: between vision & legislative work
The year has got off to a strong start for the institutions, all of which have resumed their activities at full speed.
In the European Parliament, the Plenary session (20-23 January) saw the presentation of the work programme of the Polish Presidency of the EU, but also a debate of the Demography toolbox. An important dossier, knowing the demographic challenges for agriculture and rural areas. In the margins of the plenary, an action organiser by COPA COGECA , CEJA, FNSEA and Jeunes Agriculteurs to demonstrate against the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement gathered the support of many MEPs and stakeholders present in Strasbourg. The EU-Mercosur Agreement was the subject of discussions in Brussels as well, with an exchange of views between Maro? ?ef?ovi? (Commissioner for Trade) and COMINTA MEPs (16th January), but also Maro? ?ef?ovi? together with Christophe Hansen (Commissioner for Agriculture and Food) in COMAGRI (30th January).
In the AGRI Committee, other important discussions took place, with focus on the upcoming Vision for the future of Agriculture? and Food, the next CAP reform; the Polish Presidency priorities for agriculture, animal health (Foot and Mouth Disease), animal welfare during transport… Check CEJA’s take on the exchange with Commissioner Hansen on the 29th of January here.
In the AGRIFISH Council (27th of January), EU Ministers for Agriculture discussed simplification of the CAP, strengthening the position of farmers in the agri-food chain (legislative proposals of the 10th of December on UTPs and CAP-CMOs), the work programme of the Polish Presidency, as well as trade-related agricultural issues. Official main result on the Council’s website here.
Commissioner Hansen is still expected to publish the Vision for Agriculture and Food on the 19th of February. In Parallel, President von der Leyen and EVP Séjourné presented the EU Competitiveness Compass, which states:
“As the vision for the future of agriculture and food systems will develop, farming entrepreneurship should also be supported as a driver for innovative and more sustainable farming practices”.
CEJA's working group | January 2025
On 27th and 28th January, CEJA’s delegates gathered in Brussels for our first working group of the year. This provided an opportunity to exchange on the action to conduct with the forthcoming Vision for Agriculture and Food and the Action Plan on Generational Renewal, both expected to be published later by the European Commission this year.
With the new legislative term off to a dynamic start, CEJA’s Secretariat presented the latest legislative proposals published by the European Commission before the Christmas break on value chain aspects. Delegates had the occasion to engage in discussions with representatives from DG AGRI’s Unit E1 on the proposed targeted amendments to the Common Market Organisation and the regulation aimed at improving cross-border cooperation between enforcement authorities of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive. Additionally, updates were shared on the latest developments in the Council regarding the New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) file.
The internal discussions of the working group focused on CEJA’s positions on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), environmental and climate policies, and specific instruments for young farmers within the CAP. The position discussion on water was also launched, led by CEJA Vice-Presidents Matteo Pagliarani and Katharina Schobersberger , with the support of Policy Officer Aalt van Middendorp .
CEJA kicks off its position on water
Amid the increasingly noticeable effects of climate change, water is becoming more and more becoming a critical issue in agriculture. While some regions face challenges surrounding the quality of water, other parts of the EU are confronted with weather extremes in the form of droughts or floods. Especially with the topic now also gaining traction within the EU institutions in the form of the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy, CEJA Board deemed addressing these issues under their mandate to be essential for young farmers’ interest and presented their plans for the upcoming months of internal discussion on the topic during January’s working group.
In the upcoming weeks, CEJA is going to conduct two exchange moments around the topic. On February 13th in collaboration with EU-FarmBook , CEJA will organise the webinar ‘Farmers as guardians of water resources’. Later in February, CEJA’s delegates will have an internal capacity-building call on Water Management and an opportunity to exchange with DG ENVI about their work on the upcoming strategy.
Upcoming opportunities
Empowering the next generations of leaders in agriculture
Are you a young farmer eager to develop your leadership skills and make an impact? CEJA’s EU Young Farmers Leadership Programme is back for its third edition, and this is your chance to be part of it.
What is the EU Young Farmers Leadership Programme?
The EU Young Farmers Leadership Programme is a three-day capacity-building initiative designed for leaders of young farmers’ organisations. Its goal is to empower organisations by strengthening individuals, showcase CEJA’s work to national leaders, and ultimately enhance visibility within the agricultural sector.
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This year’s theme, ‘Future-proof strategies for generational renewal’, will equip young farmers leaders with the skills, networks, and knowledge to drive the future of agriculture.
?? When? 24–26 March 2025
?? Where? Brussels, Belgium
?? Who? Young farmers who haven’t participated in previous editions
?? What’s in it for you? Training in advocacy, leadership, public speaking, networking with EU stakeholders, and hands-on workshops
?? How to apply? Contact your national young farmers' organisation before 28 February.
Any questions? You can contact us via [email protected]. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to grow as a leader and make your voice as a young farmer heard!
Building a fairer future for young farmers: Employment, safety, and social protection
CEJA is kicking off 2025 with exciting projects and events aimed at empowering young farmers and improving working conditions in agriculture. From youth employment research to farm safety and social security, here’s what’s happening:
CORE | Addressing youth employment in agriculture and rural areas
CORE (Coalition for Social Studies in Rural and Agricultural Youth in Europe: Youth Employment) is an Erasmus+ officially launched in January, bringing together rural youth organisations, research institutes, and private sector actors to tackle youth employment challenges in agriculture and rural areas.
The project’s first key milestone will be the Project Launch Meeting in Brussels on 5–6 February, where partners will set the stage for future activities. One of CORE’s first major outputs will be a comprehensive report on the current state of youth employment in agriculture and rural areas, led by Wageningen University & Research . This initiative aims to foster policy dialogue and create strategies to support young people pursuing careers in rural sectors.
SafeHabitus | Focus groups on the future of farming
Discussions on the future of farming are underway through SafeHabitus Focus Groups, led by ZRC SAZU – Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts . These sessions bring together young farmers and those preparing to take over farms, providing a platform to share insights on working conditions, health, and safety in agriculture.
?? There’s still time to join a fourth focus group in mid-February! Sign up here: https://www.1ka.si/a/13cfa7f8 Your input will help shape policies that improve the social sustainability of agriculture across Europe.
SafeHabitus Policy Seminar | Enhancing the attractiveness of farming
?? 12 March 2025
?? European Committee of the Regions, Brussels
This high-level seminar will explore how social security systems can support farm safety and farmer health, ultimately making farming more attractive to young generations. Discussions will focus on:
CEJA’s Vice President, Matteo Pagliarani , will speak on behalf of young farmers, ensuring their perspectives are included in these crucial debates.
?? Register for the event here: https://www.safehabitus.eu/event/safehabitus-policy-seminar-enhancing-the-attractiveness-of-farming-the-role-of-social-security-in-supporting-farm-safety-and-farmer-health/
Representing young farmers across Europe: CEJA’s Presidency on the move
Vice-President Elisabeth Hidén at the World Economic Forum
CEJA Vice-President, Elisabeth Hiden participated in a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum, joining industry experts to explore the challenges and opportunities in agriculture for generational renewal.
Elisabeth shed light on the significant obstacles young farmers face today, from restricted access to arable land due to soaring prices to the difficulties of securing financial support. She also underscored the additional barriers encountered by women in the sector, as well as the strain caused by low profit margins, a lack of social benefits, and the unpredictability of both climate change and shifting political landscapes. Alongside these challenges, she put forward key solutions, advocating for innovative business models that share risk, long-term policy stability, and greater access to independent training programmes.
With 72% of EU farmers relying solely on experience, she emphasised the value of combining hands-on knowledge with formal education to build a more resilient agricultural sector. Above all, Elisabeth highlighted the urgent need for fairer pay, less bureaucracy, and stronger collaboration throughout the food supply chain.
President Peter Meedendorp at Green Week in Berlin
CEJA President, Peter Meedendorp, attended the Green Week in Berlin this month, where he engaged in discussions with farmers, stakeholders, policymakers, and CEJA members that also attended the event.
As part of the event, Peter took part in a panel exploring the opportunities and challenges facing young farmers today, sharing insights alongside key agricultural leaders.
A big thank you to the organisers and our German Member Organisation, Bund der Deutschen Landjugend, for hosting such an important gathering!
Thank you for reading this edition of CEJA’s newsletter.
January has been a month of strategic discussions, policy development, and collaboration, setting the tone for the year ahead. From the first CEJA Working Group of 2025 to the launch of our position on water and the kickoff of the CORE project, we have started the year with momentum.
We remain committed to advocating for young farmers and ensuring their voices shape the future of European agriculture. Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s continue working together to drive meaningful change.
The CEJA Team
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.