What's Happening?
The agriculture sector is facing a decline in young workers, with the average age of farmers approaching 60 in developed countries. To address this issue, policymakers are encouraged to demonstrate the industry's breadth and provide resources and skills to modernize farming and build sustainable agribusinesses. The sector offers significant employment opportunities along the supply chain, including processing, transportation, and retail. Engaging young people in agriculture is crucial for creating decent jobs and ensuring food security.
Why It's Important?
Attracting young people to agriculture is vital for the sector's sustainability and growth. By modernizing farming practices and offering diverse employment opportunities, the industry can address the challenges of an aging workforce and declining rural populations. Engaging youth in agriculture can lead to increased productivity, improved nutrition, and reduced poverty, particularly in low-income countries. This shift requires a paradigm change in how the sector is perceived, emphasizing its profitability and potential for innovation.
What's Next?
Policymakers need to implement reforms that address young people's concerns about the agriculture sector, such as land-tenure systems and wages. Encouraging youth to pursue off-farm jobs and agri-tech startups can help modernize the industry and create sustainable employment opportunities. Providing digital resources and skills is essential for building innovative agribusinesses and ensuring the sector's resilience.
Beyond the Headlines
The perception of agriculture as low-tech and poorly paid must change to attract young workers. By highlighting the sector's role in economic development and its potential for innovation, policymakers can create a more appealing image of agriculture as a viable career choice for young people.
