"The average farmer is 57 years old, and only 12 percent are under 40. The situation is becoming critical, and we urgently need to support a new generation of farming professionals. It's simple: without farmers, there is no food," said MEPs Herbert Dorfmann, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, and Carmen Crespo Díaz before today's opening of the 11th EPP European Congress of Young Farmers.

Launched in 2012 by Members of the EPP Group, the event has become a landmark in the agricultural calendar with a clear objective: to listen to young farmers, their experiences, and challenges, as well as their vision for making this profession more attractive, fairer, and full of opportunities for future generations.

The summit, supported by the EPP Group, will provide an opportunity for a debate with EU Commissioner Christophe Hansen on the new "Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture," presented in October, as well as with various experts and MEPs about the EPP's daily efforts to support young farmers. Those actions include reducing excessive bureaucracy, facilitating easier access to EU financing, or promoting the role of women in the sector.