Next generation farming - a conversation with MIJARC Europe
Regenerative agronomy, carbon farming, or biodynamic agroecology... do you know what we’re talking about? Neither did we! We had to ask Ivana, a young person from Bulgaria, dedicated to the agricultural sector. Join us on a journey exploring the remarkable work of Ivana and MIJARC Europe!
Ivana! Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
Hello! 🤗 I'm Ivana Nikolaeva, a young and curious person from Bulgaria. I've always been fascinated by the hidden power of nature, which led me to pursue a degree in Agronomy. Over the past few years, I've dedicated myself to making a positive change in the agricultural sector. My interests 👀 lie in regenerative agronomy, carbon farming, biodynamic agroecology, and everything in between. In the last few years, I had the pleasure to work on these topics with MIJARC Europe! 🚀
What exactly is MIJARC Europe? Could you provide a brief introduction to the organization?
The International Movement of Catholic Agricultural and Rural Youth - Europe (MIJARC) is a dynamic European coordination network that unites over 170,000 🤙 rural and Christian youth from 14 countries. Our mission is to empower young change-makers, promote sustainable development, and foster intercultural understanding in the rural world. 🌏 Through championing education, sustainable practices, and the values of tomorrow, we transform rural spaces and defend the future of our communities. 🤝
Our aim is to empower and support young people, particularly those in rural areas, by promoting education, training, and joint action. ✋ By developing rural spaces, implementing sustainable projects, and fostering intercultural exchanges, we pave the way for a brighter future. ☀️ We ensure that the interests and aspirations of rural youth are not only heard but also represented at all levels. 📝
What do you think are the most relevant issues for young people in agriculture today?
Agroecology and regenerative farming practices are indeed pivotal in shaping the future of agriculture. 🍃 These innovative approaches challenge conventional farming methods by emphasizing ecological sustainability, biodiversity, and soil health. 👩🌾 Young farmers are leading this movement, driving change by exploring unconventional techniques such as permaculture, agroforestry, and vertical farming. 🌾 By embracing these alternative practices, young agriculturists are revitalizing the agricultural landscape while pioneering a path towards a more harmonious and regenerative relationship between humans and nature. 👉 At MIJARC, we also address critical issues such as gender equality in the farming sector and the challenge of easy access to land.
At the forefront of this movement are young farmers who embrace alternative practices such as permaculture, agroforestry, and vertical farming. 🌿 Permaculture, derived from the words "permanent" and "agriculture," is a design system that mimics natural ecosystems to create self-sustaining and regenerative agricultural systems. 🌳 Agroforestry combines the cultivation of trees with crops or livestock, offering multiple benefits such as increased biodiversity, improved soil fertility, and climate change mitigation. 🆙 Vertical farming takes advantage of vertical space to grow crops indoors, using innovative techniques such as hydroponics or aeroponics. These approaches maximise efficiency, conserve resources, and offer opportunities for urban agriculture. 🙌
How can the EU contribute to tackling these challenges?
European Institutions hold immense potential in addressing the diverse challenges faced by the agricultural sector. 👌 However what I think they should focus more on is in establishing even more inclusive policies, promoting research and innovation, supporting rural development, ensuring market fairness, facilitating knowledge exchange, and providing sustainable agricultural funding. 🫵 By empowering farmers, fostering innovation, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable practices, EU institutions can ensure the long-term viability and success of European agriculture.
We want to play a crucial role in connecting young activists in the agricultural sector with decision-makers. 🤲 By establishing platforms for youth representation, facilitating consultations and dialogue, fostering partnerships and mentorship programs, providing funding opportunities, and recognising the contributions of young activists, 🇪🇺 European institutions should ensure that their voices are heard and valued. In fact, this collaborative approach empowers young activists to actively participate in shaping agricultural policies and strategies, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for a sustainable and inclusive agricultural future in Europe. Creating participatory platforms is a fundamental step in order to include young voices in the policy-making processes. 🫂
As we conclude our interview with Ivana from MIJARC Europe, it is evident that young activists are at the forefront of driving change in the agricultural sector. 🫰 Through their passion, innovation, and dedication to practices such as agroecology and regenerative farming, they are reshaping the future of agriculture, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. 🙏
With the support of EU institutions and collaborative efforts, the voices of young activists can be amplified, leading to the establishment of inclusive policies, sustainable funding, and platforms for youth representation. ☘️ By empowering and nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders, we can pave the way for a resilient and sustainable agricultural future in Europe. 🤙
