Washington DC, October 15th – The European Union launched the EU-U.S. Young Leaders in Agriculture Fellowship, a year-long program that brings together emerging leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to deepen their understanding of the challenges facing farmers and solutions for improving the long-term resilience and profitability of agriculture in their communities.
European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen said: “Farmers on both sides of the Atlantic face many of the same challenges and have so much to gain from learning and working together. This fellowship is a unique opportunity for young leaders from the EU and the U.S. to connect, innovate, and shape the future of agriculture through farm visits, lectures and workshops. By supporting young farmers’ entry into the profession and fostering transatlantic cooperation, we’re not just investing in careers, but in the resilience, sustainability, and innovation of agriculture that will secure food systems for generations to come.”
“By fostering transatlantic collaboration, we are investing in a better future for our communities and empowering young agricultural leaders in Europe and America to address tomorrow’s challenges together,” European Union Ambassador to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė said. “This fellowship fosters closer relationships among young people they will carry with them in their careers. It encourages them to innovate, to share best practices, and to build resilient agricultural systems that provide for their communities.”
The fellowship is part of the Transatlantic Sustainable Transition Initiative (TSTI) and aims to provide young farmers with the opportunity to learn more about key aspects of agricultural policy making in the EU and the U.S., farm economics, innovation, food systems, supply chains and the global market environment. In addition, the participating farmers will broaden their leadership and networking skills, and develop life-long relationships with like-minded farmers on the other side of the Atlantic.
Fellows will participate in virtual lectures, two academic and field visits, one to the EU and one to the U.S., and have ample possibilities for professional networking and connecting with policymakers. The inaugural fellowship will commence on October 15th with 28 fellows, 14 from the EU and 14 from the U.S., and concludes in late September, 2026. Two future editions will be organized by 2028.
The program selected fellows for their commitment to future-proofing agriculture, leadership experience, and interest in international exchange. Key farmer organizations in the EU and U.S. were instrumental in the preselection of fellowship candidates, among them the American Farm Bureau Federation and the European Council of Young Farmers.
Wageningen University & Research implements the academic program of the fellowship.
To learn more about the program visit the TSTI information page or follow @EuintheUS and @Wageningen University & Research on social media.
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Email: info.TSTI@icf.com
