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| 07 nov 2011 |
13:54 |
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Agritechnica: a magnet for young farmers
In recent decades, the farming industry has evolved into a dynamic global sector with efficiency and technology at its core. And these changes are reflected in the attitudes and backgrounds of the new generation of agribusiness professionals: today’s young farmers and students are hungry for international know-how and strategic management skills, and are often highly qualified thanks to the wider choice in agricultural degrees and vocational training.
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The globalisation trend has meant that many regions face similar agricultural challenges, which has in turn brought the worldwide farming community closer together.
Against this backdrop, Agritechnica represents an invaluable event for young farmers and especially this year since smart farming, which presents efficient farming methods using sensing and electronics, is a key focus topic at Agritechnica.
During this year’s Agritechnica, the DLG, German Federation of Rural Youth (BDL) and the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) will once again be organising the Young Farmers Day. The two-day programme has been specially tailored to the interests of young farmers, with career opportunities and the outlook for international agriculture high on the agenda. The event offers plenty of scope for learning, networking and sharing experiences as well as the chance to explore the Agritechnica exhibition.
Thousands of young farmers and students are expected to attend from across Europe and beyond, including many from eastern Europe. Some agricultural students are even travelling from universities from as far afield as the US and Canada. This impressive level of international participation reflects the need for today’s farmers to look beyond their home countries for advice and inspiration when planning for the future. Certain challenges, such as climate change and sustainable growth, are shared by members of the worldwide farming community, and these create a common basis for the discussion of global issues and policies. By bringing young farmers together, the Agritechnica event encourages valuable discourse among agriculture’s new generation while also providing inspirational insights into career and learning opportunities abroad.
“Since the first ever Young Farmers Day at Agritechnica in 2003, the event has continued to grow year on year,” says Stephanie Timm, DLG’s Project Manager for the Young Farmers Day. “While this generation is particularly well equipped to embrace new technology and run their farms as efficient businesses, young farmers are still clearly keen to meet and interact with their peers from around the world in order to share ideas and experiences.”
There will be considerable focus on employment options and development during the two-day event. Kick-off is on Thursday 17 November 2011 at 10 a.m., with a one-hour presentation on careers ideas and opportunities in the global marketplace. The late morning and afternoon allows the young farmers time to admire the many technological innovations on display at the show. From 6 p.m.-8 p.m., a panel discussion will be held on the globalisation of the farming sector and the opportunities this presents in terms of establishing an agricultural business, whether in Germany or abroad. The first day concludes with the ever-popular Young Farmers Party in the evening with nearly 3,000 young farmers and students gathering to celebrate at Agritechnica.
The second day, Friday 18 November, features a morning session on agribusiness careers options, from first a managerial (business, sales and marketing) and then an engineering (technology and electronics) point of view (from 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Participants can benefit from presentations from leading manufacturers who will share their insights on job-application tips, skill requirements, career development and salary expectations. Potential employers will also be on hand to advise young farmers and answer any career-related queries they may have.
Timm continues: “CEJA, which has a network of around one million young farmers across Europe, has helped us to put together this programme, which we believe appeals directly to young farmers everywhere. We want Agritechnica to be the forum for young entrepreneurs not only in Europe, but also for those in the Americas and CIS countries too.”
The Young Farmers Day will be held at the Exhibition Grounds’ Convention Centre (CC) in Room 3. Proceedings will be conducted in German with simultaneous translations into English and French where appropriate. For tickets (from 15 September) or more information, please visit .htmlwww.agritechnica.com/youngfarmersday
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