Food production is a cornerstone of Nordic societies and is undergoing major change due to the green transition. While this shift brings new opportunities for innovation and value creation in rural food systems, youth interest in agri-food careers is declining. Contributing factors include sectoral restructuring, technological shifts, demographic changes, urbanisation and the concentration of education and employment opportunities in cities.
A 2024–2025 project funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers investigates how to strengthen youth participation in Nordic (and Baltic) food systems through literature review, workshops, surveys and a reference group of youth representatives in food production sectors.
This policy brief presents suggested actions across five key recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in the agri-food and education sectors to reverse the negative trend. These include:
- Supporting food-related education from an early age
- Highlighting opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in food systems
- Involving youth in shaping resilient food strategies
- Improving attractiveness and showcasing rural opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs
- Integrating and supporting migrant labour within the agri-food workforce
The policy brief also lists concrete activities and relevant actors to enable an effective take-up of the recommendations. Together, these actions can help unlock the potential of the next generation of food producers.