Youths and Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

This report describes several ways in which young people can stimulate sustainable agriculture. There are many reasons why there should be more focus on sustainable agriculture instead of conventional agriculture. ILEIA is a centre that promotes sustainable agriculture and it wants young people to contribute to this promotion because it acknowledges the importance of the potential contribution of the youth. There are several ways in which youngsters can contribute to sustainable agriculture but in this report we focus on consuming, engagement, politics and profession. It appears that when young people get in touch with sustainable agriculture, they are most likely to show behavior in favor of sustainable agriculture in the future. Probably the most influence they have is through their choices as consumers. Of course by voting youngsters have an influence on sustainable agriculture too, but as put forward in an interview, changes in politics are slow and could therefore inefficient. As for future professions, it is important that youngsters are educated properly about sustainable agriculture. If organizations like ILEIA want to involve the youth by the promotion of sustainable agriculture, it is important that they give opportunities for engagement and they should promote education about sustainable agriculture. This report ends with recommendations for ILEIA.