The 4th edition of the WFO Gymnasium Program took a pivotal step forward on October 12 and 13, when 20 young farmers from across the globe came together in Rome for an intensive training experience. This session, the first time participants met in person, was a critical moment in their empowerment journey to become the future leaders of agriculture. During this session, participants engaged in discussions designed to enhance their leadership and advocacy skills. The importance of this program is undeniable, and the confidence it instils in the participants is palpable.
Immediately following the training, our young farmers joined the WFO delegation at the World Food Day Week at FAO headquarters, actively participating in the 2024 Flagship Event of the World Food Forum (WFF)and the Global Family Farming Forum (GFFF) from October 14 to 18. Their participation not only spotlighted the critical role of youth in driving change within global agrifood systems but also inspired hope for the future. It ensured that the voices of the next generation were heard in shaping the future of food and agriculture, instilling a sense of optimism in the audience.
Key Highlights of the WFO Gymnasium Students in the World Food Day Week
October 15
Mutande Nyaradzo from the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) took the floor at the GFFF session “Public Policy Innovation for Family Farming”, stressing the importance of youth inclusion in policy-making processes.
Photo credit: ©WFO
Virgina Espen from Giovani di Confagricoltura – ANGA addressed the WFF Europe and Central Asia Regional Assembly to bring her perspective on the rural-urban divide in Europe, the challenges rural youth face, and ideas for overcoming this barrier.
October 16
Tuure Matti Pesola from MTK – Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, spoke at the WFF event “Youth Perspectives on the Forestry and Agriculture Nexus: Challenges and Opportunities”. He shared insights on balancing agricultural production with forest conservation, presenting effective practices that ensure both environmental sustainability and farm productivity.
Photo credit: ©WFO
Valary Otieno from the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF) brought the youth perspective into the GFFF session “Investing in family farmers”, emphasizing the need to invest in youth for food security, poverty reduction, and employment creation, stressing that youth are better at taking risks, innovating, and adopting new technologies, crucial for transforming food systems and adapting to climate change.
Photo credit: ©WFO
Martin Murray from the National Farmers’ Federation of Australia (NFF) took the floor at the WFF Asia and Pacific Regional Assembly to bring his perspective on the impact of food labelling on local agricultural practices and market access for smallholder farmers.
October 17
Mologadi Shirley Shella Ngoetjana from the African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA) spoke at the GFFF event “Family Farming for Climate-Resilient Food Systems.” She shared insights on the crucial role of young family farmers in climate resilience in agriculture and the necessary actions to enhance their impact, including providing them with greater access to resources, education and training and market access. She also highlighted the need for their inclusion in decision-making processes.
Photo credit: ©WFO
Marco Pignocchi from Coldiretti Giovani Impresa and Luca Bianchi from Associazione Giovani Imprenditori Agricoli (AGIA – CIA) engaged with the next generation at the WFF, inspiring young students by showcasing the exciting journey of a career in agriculture. From sustainability to innovation, they shared their passion for farming and dedication to shaping the future of food systems.
Photo credit: ©WFO
David Charles Newcombe from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture addressed the WFF event, “Future Leaders: Youth Advancing Livestock Sustainability,” organized by WFO in collaboration with the Canadian Cattle Association, Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (GASL), Nuffield International, and the NextGen Ag Impact Network (NGIN). He focused on balancing social, environmental, and economic factors in livestock farming, emphasizing the critical role of farmers in driving sustainable change in food systems and the importance of engaging youth in these efforts.
Photo credit: ©WFO
Martin Murray from the National Farmers’ Federation of Australia (NFF) joined the WFF UN Convention on Combatting Desertification (UNCCD) Thematic Youth Assembly to bring his experience on how Australian farmers work to sustainably manage soils to combat the effects of land degradation, desertification and droughts.
October 18
Mawejje Harbert, Gymnasium Alumnus from the 2023 edition, participated in the Young Farmers Roundtable of the UN Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF). He presented, on behalf of WFO, “The Young Family Farmers’ Toolkit“, a guide designed to supports young farmers and the generational sustainability of family farming. This toolkit results from a year-long collaborative effort and consultative process in the framework of the implementation of pillar two of the UNDFF Global Action Plan.
Photo credit: ©WFO
Additionally, WFO youth delegates, particularly HW Beeken from the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), engaged in interactive roundtable discussions, interviews, and talk shows hosted by “Rural Radio: Voices for Change,” a fully operational radio station streaming live from FAO headquarters and reaching rural audiences in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, giving voice to family farmers.
A special thanks to Noel Banville – Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), Malina Chhean – Cambodian Farmers’ Federation Association of Agricultural Producers (CFAP), Joseph Childs – National Farmers Union US, Tornike Atabegashvili – Georgian Farmers’ Association (GFA), Rafael Riedel – Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil (CNA), Facundo Galindez – Sociedad Rural Argentina, and Paul Molesky – American Farm Bureau Federation for contributing with valuable insights throughout the event.
The active participation of WFO Gymnasium Program young farmers during World Food Day Week showcased the pivotal role the next generation wants to play in shaping the future of global food systems. These emerging leaders drove critical conversations on sustainability, innovation, and inclusion, reinforcing the need to elevate the voices of young farmers and ensure their perspectives are heard at the highest levels of decision-making. Their contributions serve as a powerful reminder that youth are not only the future of agriculture but active agents of change today.
