All across Europe, rural communities are losing their young people. Whether it’s a lack of decent jobs, outdated training, or a perception that the countryside offers no future, this trend not only impacts agriculture but also threatens the social fabric of rural life. The CORE project is stepping up to tackle this challenge head-on by launching a new, comprehensive online survey.
Developed and tested by our partner, Wageningen University & Research, this online survey is a cornerstone of CORE’s initial research phase. It aims to build a detailed picture of the challenges and opportunities young people under 40 face in rural and agricultural areas. This is a critical step in our mission to bridge the gap between policy, research, and reality.
What the survey aims to achieve
The survey is designed to gather essential insights from young people across Europe, helping us understand their socio-economic conditions and how they spend their time. It will delve into several key areas to build a holistic picture:
- Income and Employment: We’ll explore the diverse sources of income for young people in rural areas, from traditional agriculture to new off-farm jobs. We’ll also investigate the stability and sufficiency of these incomes, and how they contribute to household finances.
- Agricultural Activity: For those involved in farming, the survey will examine land use, financial support, and the adoption of sustainable practices. It will also explore perspectives on the EU’s green transition policies and their impact on future prospects.
- Workload and Well-being: We want to understand how seasonal workload peaks and troughs affect work-life balance and overall well-being.
- Policy and Belonging: The survey will assess how young people feel about current rural policies and what they see as the most significant challenges in their local areas. It also seeks to understand what factors contribute to their sense of belonging and their desire to stay in their communities long-term.
Why it matters
Through this survey, we aim not only to raise awareness of the specific challenges rural and agricultural youth face in the labour market, but also to gather more precise and diverse information than has been available to date. This will allow us to inform policy more accurately, ensuring it reflects the real and varied circumstances of young people across Europe.
The findings will feed directly into CORE’s first major publication, Assessing Youth Employability in Agriculture and Rural Communities: A Comprehensive Overview, to be released later this year. This report will serve as a vital tool for policymakers, youth organisations, and stakeholders working to create meaningful, long-term opportunities in rural Europe.
The survey is still open and can be accessed here.