Ga verder naar de inhoud

The reality of being a young farmer

What is it like to be a young farmer? We asked Valentino, a young Italian farmer in Tuscany about the daily work of sustainable bio-wine production.

Being a young farmer isn't a walk in the park. Picture yourself starting from scratch, searching for suitable lands, acquiring instruments, creating a business plan, setting objectives, and purchasing all the necessary equipment. Sounds daunting, doesn't it? Well, that's the reality faced by most young people in agriculture today. To truly grasp the daily challenges encountered by the youth in the agricultural sector, we embarked on a journey through the picturesque hills of Tuscany to meet Valentino Nuti, affectionately known as Tino, a young and determined farmer from the region.

Inheriting opportunity, facing dilemmas

Managing a 24-acre winery that produces the renowned bio-local wine, La Regola, Tino considers himself fortunate to have grown up in a family business and inherited its legacy. However, he acknowledges that many young farmers find themselves in a similar situation, which presents both an opportunity and challenge at the same time. In fact, some might feel compelled to work in the field, even if it doesn't align with their true aspirations, but for many others, it's not the case. Some young people feel that are forced to work in the agricultural sector because their families cannot find easy ways to pass on to someone else such a complex business. This is due also to the lack of adaptability and proper learning mechanisms that often hampers the development and transfer of knowledge from older generations to the young, especially if not a family member.

The sustainability struggle

Today, young farmers like Tino are increasingly concerned about sustainability issues. Nevertheless, convincing the older generation to invest in sustainable practices proves to be an arduous task. It's not easy to persuade them that it's a beneficial and cost-effective choice. European funds are a popular way for financing renovation projects, but as Tino explains, navigating the application process can feel like a rollercoaster ride. The complexity of the process often requires assembling a dedicated team, and sometimes these funds fail to prioritize the integration of innovation and sustainability, making it challenging to combine technological advancements with eco-friendly production methods.

Guidelines and Information challenges

Many funding opportunities for young farmers prioritize those who adopt bio or sustainable production methods. However, Tino reveals that complying with the intricate guidelines associated with bio products can slow down and complicate the production process, making it even more difficult to achieve economic sustainability. Another prominent challenge he highlights is the absence of a centralized access point for essential information. Often, young farmers find themselves relying on multiple sources and individuals to navigate the intricacies of proper farming techniques.

Market competition and marketing strategies

The primary obstacle facing young farmers is fierce international competition in crop production, making it nearly impossible to stay competitive in the market. Big players dictate prices, discouraging new entrants from venturing into fruit and vegetable production. While many young farmers excel at selling their locally produced bio products, they constantly need to devise creative marketing strategies to attract conscientious consumers who are willing to invest in superior quality. However, as Tino emphasizes, this approach may have long-term consequences and doesn't align with the overall market production dynamics.

A young farmer's passionate hope

Tino, a passionate young farmer, aspires to expand his business and create room for implementing even more sustainable production techniques. Running a business at such a young age, especially in such a challenging sector, is no easy feat. Nonetheless, he remains determined to overcome the obstacles and carve a path towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for his farm.

Being a young farmer involves grappling with numerous challenges, from the initial struggles of starting from scratch to navigating complex funding applications, adhering to guidelines, facing market competition, and devising effective marketing strategies. Despite these difficulties, passionate individuals like Tino strive to make a difference and lead the way toward a more sustainable agricultural industry. It's a challenging journey, but with determination and innovation, young farmers can overcome the obstacles and create a better future for themselves and the environment.