nature solidarity aims to encourage the next generation of farmers and, together with them, build a counter-lobby to those responsible for, benefiting from, and preserving the unacceptable status quo—so that many young people can take up the best profession in the world and practise it with a clear conscience.

We want to win over young female and male farmers to advocate in society and politics for an economically viable, biodiversity- and climate-friendly agriculture. Our goal: young farmers as activists on their own behalf.

The generational transition must succeed
Europe’s agriculture is ageing faster than other sectors. On average, European farmers are 57 years old. [Commission presents roadmap for generational renewal in agriculture – European Commission, 2025]. Only 6% are under 35; more than one in two is over 55. [Ageing agriculture: One in two farmers is over 55 – agrarheute, 2025 | “Transformation” of agriculture – German Farmers’ Association, Situation Report 24/25 | Commission presents roadmap for generational renewal in agriculture – EU Commission, 21/10/2025].

Around 100,000 generational transitions are due in German agriculture alone over the next 15 years—out of roughly 250,000 farms in total. The situation is similar in Spain, Italy and France. What does it mean for food security in the EU if the generational transition fails? If young people no longer want this profession, or this current way of farming?
They would have good reasons. For example, agricultural land prices in Germany have roughly doubled since 2010 [Trends in the land and lease market – German Farmers’ Association]. Or that today’s agriculture is one of the most capital-intensive sectors: each job costs around €550,000—significantly more than in industry, retail or construction [Development of capital and labour input in agriculture – German Farmers’ Association].
Other challenges add to this: climate change, societal pressure, or (bio-)technological innovations that call traditional knowledge and skills into question. EU agricultural policy has so far provided no convincing answers to any of this—on the contrary, it is contributing to destroying the professional future of young farmers.

nature solidarity counters this with the “Next Generation” project: we proactively reach out to young female and male farmers, connect them—and ourselves—with experts, offer training on agricultural policy, strategy development and campaign work, and in this way build a lobby for biodiversity-friendly and future-proof agricultural policy—a lobby of farm successors and new entrants. Because being a farmer or farmer is one of the best professions there is—provided the political and economic framework conditions are right.

To this end, nature solidarity conducts active public outreach across all channels: for actions against subsidies and for fair market conditions for environmentally sound farming. For levies on pesticides, mineral fertilisers or CO₂ emissions, and for environmental tariffs on cheap imports. Against excessive agricultural bureaucracy at all levels that prevents environmentally friendly innovations and business models. And for entrepreneurial freedom in solidarity with nature.

Environmentally destructive agricultural policy and practice across the EU deserves people who oppose it with heart and mind—young people who fight for future-proof political framework conditions in agriculture so that they can have a good professional future.