LEAF. Young Farmers Leading Eco-friendlyAgricultural Futures

LEAF (New Farmers Leading Eco-friendly Agricultural Futures) is a research project that explores the motivations, challenges, and enabling factors
driving young farmers to adopt agroecological practices. Focusing on Denmark, it aims to understand the barriers young farmers face in generational
renewal and the adoption of sustainable farming methods. With only 12% of European farm managers under 40, and a significant gender imbalance,
the project also seeks to identify how public policies, particularly the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), can better support this new
generation of farmers, with attention to gender-specific needs.
LEAF is an interdisciplinary research project combining social science and ecology. It uses a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach to
engage directly with young Danish farmers. Through participatory interviews and workshops, the project aims to gather insights into their motivations
and obstacles, such as technical knowledge gaps, financial constraints, and limited market access. The findings will be enriched through a review of
relevant literature and an analysis of CAP policies.
The project will generate practical outputs, including guidelines for young farmers and policy recommendations to foster agroecology and support
generational renewal. These insights will help shape more inclusive and effective European agricultural policies, ensuring that both male and female
farmers are equipped to transition toward more sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices.
Through LEAF, a nuanced understanding of young farmers' socio-economic and policy challenges will emerge, providing valuable guidance for future
agricultural strategies. This research has the potential to significantly impact the future of farming, promoting long-term sustainability and gender
equity in the agricultural sector.