Duration: 01.01.2021 – 31.11.2022
Project reference: 2020-2-ES02-KA205-015432
Website: https://www.agrogenproject.eu/
Empowering youth in the greater European Union is key as we deal with many issues that face the global stage at 2022. Measures that empower youth, including young family farmers and agro-entrepreneurs to invest in their own farms and businesses along agricultural value chains should be a key component in the Participants profile for Agreon. As it pertains to the agricultural sector in Bulgaria in 2022, there is evidence that is key to achieve sustainable food security; enhancing sustainable productivity, value addition and resilience, youth unemployment, and perhaps most important as it pertains for Bulgarian and even the partner countries of Agreon is rural community poverty and migration of young people to larger cities.
Access to land
Next to financial capital, land remains the most important factor of production for young Agro-entrepreneurs. Youth can access land through inheritance, government distribution or market added land. Agreon should bring in participants who do not share the privilege of having physical land. Agreon shall discuss (1) Discuss Main challenges, of the current and future opportunities and good practices regarding access to land through inheritance, direct acquisition or leasing, and distribution, provide policy recommendations at the local level based on the concerns and analysis of the needs of youth.
Need for Technical & Support Services
Access to financial services is a key determinant of the capacity of young entrepreneurs to transform their business ideas into reality. Presenting youth the current available financial services include loans and insurances as well as bank accounts and saving schemes. Local and National Bank accounts have special accounts for youth, as is the strategy by most banks to obtain youth customers to use their services. Another form of help that youth are in need is informal financial help. Saving schemes and informal loans (often times given by local producers, community members, & family members). In many EU nations, many notable and vibrant communities and youth organizations can help with such financing and sometimes even support from NGOs.
Agro Services for youth
While access to financial services is a precondition to empower youth to invest in agriculture and food systems, young agro-entrepreneurs usually, require additional services to develop and expand thriving businesses. This includes incubators, coaching and other advisory services that help youth develop, pilot and implement projects that are economically viable.
