Organics Europe Youth Network
Budget
Not declared
EP Access
0
accredited persons
Staff
3
0.6 FTE
EU Grants
None
Mission & Goals
The Organics Europe Youth Network is a dynamic, bottom-up coalition of young leaders and organisations across Europe that represent organic youth, or that significantly work on topics that relate to young organic farmers and operators all along the organic value chain. Our goal is to empower youth voices in organic agriculture and sustainable food systems by making their perspectives heard in EU policymaking and advancing generational renewal in agriculture and food by highlighting the strong role of organic agriculture in contributing to generational renewal. Furthermore, the Network unites stakeholders from the organic youth movement across the whole supply chain and academia. Moreover, the Network invests in capacity-building of national organic youth structures. Lastly, we advocate for a policy framework that addresses the challenges faced by organic youth, including access to finance, land, and education, as well as fairness in the supply chain.
EU Legislative Interests
The Organics Europe Youth Network primarily targets EU policies relevant to generational renewal in agriculture and young farmers and entrepreneurs, including: - Generational Renewal Strategy - Report from European Parliament and Committee of Regions regarding the Generational Renewal Strategy - The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) (current and post-2027 CAP) - Organic Regulation (EU) 2018/848 - Unfair trading practices (UTPs) legislation - Common Market Organization (CMO) legislation - Organic Action Plan
Communication Activities
OEYN engages with EU institutions through: - Position papers, proclamations, leaflets and social media outreach. One of the Network’s first activities was adopting a proclamation collectively calling for greater representation of youth perspectives in agricultural policymaking and declaring its commitment to amplifying the voices and needs of young organic farmers and operators. Subsequently, a joint declaration was also sent to Agricultural Commissioner Hansen, stressing the need to involve all stakeholders, especially youth, to achieve a sustainable European farm and food system. Moreover, the Network has published leaflets on organic youth and regularly posts advocacy videos on social media platforms. - Events and dialogues: Organics Europe Youth Events (2022, 2024, 2026), participation in DG AGRI Youth Policy Dialogues, Commission Roundtables, parliamentary committee hearings. - Meetings and submissions: Meetings and email correspondence with policymakers
Interests Represented
Does not represent commercial interests
Member Of
The Organics Europe Youth Network is an independent network coordinated by IFOAM Organics Europe.
Organisation Members
Around 20 (and growing!) youth-focused organisations across Europe representing young organic farmers, students, and operators. For the full list and details, please click here: https://organicyouth.bio
Additional Information
The Organics Europe Youth Network operates as volunteer-driven initiative coordinated by IFOAM Organics Europe (no dedicated funding). Costs would reflect only allocated staff time from two IFOAM OE employees (~0.35 FTE total) for coordination, advocacy, and events. All 23+ network members contribute voluntarily (unpaid, pro-bono participation in meetings/input). No EU grants, external sponsorships, or office/travel reimbursements specific to the Network. Activities rely on IFOAM OE's existing infrastructure.
Commissioner Meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.