World Congress of Young Farmers in Paris

Build the future of young people for sustainable agriculture

Paris, June 13, 2003 – IFAP is proud of the success of the World Congress of Young Farmers held in Paris from June 11 to 13, 2003, under the theme “The Price of Our Future.” It is also pleased with the deliberations of the IFAP Young Farmers’ Committee, which initiated this first congress organized under the aegis of IFAP, and Les Jeunes agriculteurs français, the event’s host. IFAP President Jack Wilkinson (Canada) encouraged young farmers to organize themselves, get involved and work together to take charge of their future. “You represent farming of today and tomorrow,” he told participants, “and, for this reason, it is essential to acknowledge that agriculture needs the enthusiasm and energy of young farmers, who must occupy key roles in farm organizations. Young farmers have the most to lose and win from the standpoint of decisions made in high places,” Mr Wilkinson added.

Hundreds of farmers from the five continents engaged in stimulating, varied discussions during the congress, focusing on themes such as inequality in agricultural development, international issues, production methods, and generational renewal in agriculture. The principles of solidarity, fairness and complementarity instead of competitiveness were highlights of the discussions. Farmers agreed on the urgent need to find solutions to food security even before market liberalization is discussed.

“Young farmers will guarantee food safety in the future. We must strive to once again make farming a worthwhile, remunerative occupation that attracts young people. Agriculture can only be sustainable if it ensures generational renewal,” Mr Wilkinson noted.

The first IFAP World Congress of Young Farmers was honoured by the presence of French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, who attended the opening, and French President Jacques Chirac, present at the event’s closing. The gathering paves the way for the implementation an action plan elaborated by the IFAP Young Farmers’ Committee, headed by Chairman Bernard Layre (France) and Deputy Chairmen Guillermo S. Cinque (Argentina), Takuo Hara (Japan) and Mukesyayira Vahamwiti (Democratic Republic of the Congo).

The IFAP Young Farmers’ Committee was established in May 2001 at the IFAP World Farmers’ Congress held in Cairo. It seeks to foster exchanges between young farmers the world over and their involvement in international problems. It also focuses on young farmers’ specific concerns.