Photo: Karolina Friberg / imagebank.sweden.se

Young people and food systems

Lack of youth participation in food systems is a real concern, particular regarding future employment, since it is vital for diversity, innovation and the resilience of food systems.

In terms of employment and the future of work, the major challenge is to secure the workforce of the future and to create conditions that encourage new generations to engage with, innovate and drive forward the values of sustainable development and competitiveness of food systems.

In relation to diversity and innovation, innovation serves as a catalyst for scientific progress, broadening and deepening our understanding of both the natural and social worlds. Innovation and entrepreneurship involve finding creative solutions to societal challenges by adopting new perspectives and combining resources in various ways. It is widely hypothesised that demographic diversity enhances such innovation.

Hofstra et al. 2020.

The resilience of food systems is being profoundly challenged by climate change, geopolitical crises and other major disruptions. European food systems are highly dependent on global value chains and external inputs, such as mineral fertilisers, pesticides and protein fodder. Social pressures, including rural out-migration and changing consumer preferences, add further complexity, compounded by ongoing debates on animal welfare and the environmental and social impact of the agri-food sectors. The EU Farm to Fork Strategy seeks to strengthen food system resilience by promoting sustainable production, short supply chains and strategies like diversification and digitalisation.

European Commission, n.d.-a.

Although attracting skilled and motivated young people is challenging due to rural out-migration, it is essential to anticipate and plan for future scenarios.

Feindt et al. 2022.