EU CAP Network is organizing a seminar in Brussels on the right to remain for young farmers and rural youth.

On March 11, 2026 , the EU CAP Network will hold in Brussels (Belgium) the face-to-face seminar “Ensuring the right to stay for young farmers and rural youth” , a working day focused on turning the EU Strategy for Generational Change in Agriculture into concrete actions at the national and regional level .

The meeting will take place from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (CET) at the Renaissance Hotel and will be conducted entirely in English , without interpretation services. Participation is free and registration is open until February 5th.

Facing the generational challenge of rural Europe

European rural areas face a major demographic challenge: the average age of farmers in the EU is approaching 60 and only 12% are under 40 , while one in three rural young people consider leaving their territory due to a lack of opportunities, services and social isolation.

In this context, the seminar aims to serve as a space for exchange, dialogue and the creation of alliances to advance solutions that make agriculture and rural life more attractive to new generations, aligned with the European Strategy for Generational Change.

Seminar priorities and focus

The event will focus on key priorities to drive change , including:

• Access to land and transfer of holdings
• Capabilities, innovation and training
• Attractiveness of rural areas
• Youth as co-protagonists in the design of public policies

Through plenary sessions and youth-led Policy Labs , participants will work collaboratively on practical solutions that enable rural youth and young farmers to stay, start businesses and thrive in rural Europe .

Participation and conditions

Travel and accommodation expenses may be covered by the organizers only for a limited number of participants , including farmers, agricultural organizations, LEADER Local Action Groups, European and national NGOs, and research or university staff. All other attendees (public administrations, national networks, advisors, etc.) will be responsible for their own expenses.

This seminar is presented as a strategic meeting point for those working in agricultural policies, rural development and youth support , offering a European space to move towards a fairer, more dynamic rural environment with a future for new generations.