Europe’s young farmers hailed as an “inspiration” The 11th EPP European Congress of Young Farmers has honoured those deemed to have made a particularly valuable contribution to the farming community in the past year. The awards event took place in Brussels 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 for the awards ceremony and over 1,000 participants following the event online. The Congress serves as a major platform to showcase innovative and resilient projects submitted by young farmers from across Europe.
Some of the MEPs present issued a joint statement praising the contribution of farmers to Europe’s overall economy. The statement said,
“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.”
This was signed at the meeting by MEPs Herbert Dorfmann, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Paulo do Nascimento Cabral and Carmen Crespo Díaz. Launched in 2012 by the EPP Group, the Portuguese Farmers Confederation (CAP), and the Spanish Farmers Association (ASAJA), the event has become a landmark in the agricultural calendar with a clear objective.
It was, it was said, a chance 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. 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.
This year’s three winners are: Ryan Portelli, from Malta, Aleš Čadež, from Slovenia, and Joana Vacas Freixa, from Portugal. Portelli, from Syneco, has 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. Olivier de Matos, director of CropLife Europe, noted,
“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.”
Reflecting that conviction, CropLife Europe members have 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,” de Matos said.
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, the meeting was told, highlights how young farmers are adapting to climate pressures while maintaining high quality production.
The meeting was told that his commitment to more sustainable and responsible farming, is an “inspiration.” Čadež was also voted
“Best Young Farmer of the Year.”
Dries Acke, CEO of SolarPower Europe, said,
“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.”
Meanwhile, a third winner this year, Vacas Freixa, leads a transformative initiative to restore and manage the traditional Montado ecosystem and pasturelands at Herdade da Torre.
Her work, it was said, improves biodiversity, strengthens local value chains and enhances access to rural services, ensuring that communities can thrive while preserving an emblematic Mediterranean landscape. Anna Borys, Senior Director Government Relations Europe – IOM at McDonald’s, said, “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.”
