Osijek/Slavonia - QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today called for a systemic and inclusive approach to securing a sustainable future for the next generation of farmers and rural communities.
Speaking at the High-Level Ministerial Conference on Generational Renewal in Rural Areas hosted by Croatia, he stressed that enabling young people to choose agriculture and rural life requires not only support for farming, but also access to land, finance, knowledge and technology, as well as affordable housing, connectivity, childcare, education, health services and opportunities to build a family and a good life.
The High-Level Conference brought together policymakers and stakeholders from countries in the region and beyond to discuss demographic challenges facing rural areas and agriculture, and how agricultural, rural development and other policies can work together to create better opportunities for young people.
In his opening remarks, the Director-General welcomed Croatia's leadership in placing generational renewal at the centre of the policy agenda, noting that the issue extends beyond agriculture to rural development, demographic change, economic opportunity and the long-term vitality of rural communities.
"Generational renewal is about choice," the Director-General said. "Our responsibility is to create the conditions in which young people can choose agriculture; they can choose to live in rural areas; and they can choose to invest their talent, knowledge and energy in transforming our agrifood systems."
Globally, 44 percent of working youth depend on agrifood systems for employment, while 46 percent of young people live in rural areas. Yet many continue to face barriers to land, finance, knowledge, skills and technology, as well as decent employment and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
"This is why generational renewal requires a systemic approach, bringing together agricultural and rural development policies together with investment," he said.
The Director-General recalled the FAO Youth Committee, established in 2019, and its role in inspiring the World Food Forum, launched in 2021 to connect young people with science and innovation, investment and action for agrifood systems transformation. He also highlighted the importance of family farming and the United Nations Decade of Family Farming 2019-2028, and called for young people to be involved in decision-making from the outset.
FAO stands ready to continue working with Croatia and all Members to create an enabling environment through better policies, stronger family farming, science and innovation, investment, rural development and meaningful youth participation, the Director-General said. These efforts contribute to the Four Betters - better production, better nutrition, a better environment; and a better life, leaving no one behind.
"I would also like to recognise the difficulties that the drought has caused in this region this summer," Qu said. "It is a matter for generations working together through innovation and a science-based approach to ensure future generations continue to prosper with sustainable agrifood systems here and around the world".
Farmers, knowledge and innovation
The Director-General also opened the 71st World Ploughing Championship, bringing together farmers from different countries and farming traditions. The event showcased farmers' knowledge and experience and provided an opportunity to exchange practices across generations.
"'I am delighted to be among the farmers of the world. You are ploughing the soil to sow the seeds of peace and I hope we have a bumper harvest," Qu said.
Reflecting on the changing face of agriculture, Qu stressed the importance of building on generations of farming knowledge while making the best use of science, technology and innovation.
Held alongside the High-level Ministerial Conference, the Championship highlighted the value of connecting farming experience with new approaches and technologies. Sustainable agricultural mechanization can help improve productivity and livelihoods, reduce drudgery and provide appropriate solutions adapted to farmers' needs and local conditions.
