EIT Food & Elisava
How can young entrepreneurs rebuild the relationship with nature?
Design Challenge
Context: Industrial farming in the EU is depleting ecosystems through soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. With an aging farming population and only 7% of managers under 34, the sector faces a generational and systemic crisis, compounded by climate change and eco-policies like the European Green Deal.
Evidence: The agricultural system’s dependence on chemical inputs has polluted groundwater and contributed to rising soil erosion and desertification, particularly in Mediterranean areas. Declining biodiversity, driven by landscape uniformity and poor water practices, further threatens ecological balance.
Challenge: The challenge lies in attracting young entrepreneurs to adopt regenerative agricultural practices. This requires overcoming economic, environmental, and social barriers to ensure sustainability and resilience in the sector.
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Innovation Space
Opportunities: Growing awareness of the harmful effects of intensive agriculture is fostering interest in regenerative farming. High youth unemployment and increased entrepreneurship in Europe create opportunities for younger generations to engage in farming. Societal trends toward healthier lifestyles also align with regenerative agriculture, offering fertile ground for innovation and sustainable growth.
Insights: Young Europeans are seeking purposeful, sustainable careers, and regenerative farming addresses this demand. Technological advancements are reducing entry barriers, but changing perceptions about farming’s profitability and modernity is essential. Reframing agriculture as a viable and innovative business can attract new talent to the sector.
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Vision
Principles: Transition to regenerative agricultural ecosystems that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and resource conservation. Reframe farming as a vital societal role, central to sustainability and community resilience.
Strategy: Empower young entrepreneurs, or "Regeneurs," with access to alternative funding, knowledge-sharing platforms, and institutional support for land acquisition, fostering a new generation of regenerative farming leaders.
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Interventions
Outcomes: Future scenarios envisioned young entrepreneurs revitalizing agricultural ecosystems through regenerative practices, demonstrating measurable improvements in soil health, biodiversity, and community resilience.
Impact: The interventions targeted systemic transitions by addressing economic, environmental, and social challenges, providing solutions for barriers such as land access and funding, empowering young farmers to lead regenerative efforts.
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Learnings
- Economic Risks: Farming in Europe faces income volatility and rising costs, requiring innovative funding and policy support for young entrepreneurs.
- Climate Vulnerability: Extreme weather events threaten soil health and crop yields, emphasizing the need for climate-resilient agricultural practices.
- Generational Gap: An aging farming population risks knowledge loss, making it crucial to attract and train younger generations in regenerative methods.