On 17–18 September, we held our second project meeting in Wageningen, the Netherlands, hosted by the Rural Sociology Group at Wageningen University & Research. This two-day meeting was a great opportunity for us to come together, share our progress over the first months of the project, and plan the next steps of our work towards improving opportunities for young people in rural and agricultural areas.
Sharing initial insights and learning from practice in Wageningen
During the meeting, we exchanged updates on the first results of our European survey on rural youth employment and looked at what these preliminary insights reveal about the skill gaps, challenges and opportunities faced by young people living and working in rural and agricultural areas. We also discussed how we can use this knowledge to design the next activities of the project and to make sure our work contributes directly to future policies.
Outside the meeting room, we visited the De Hooilanden farm to see sustainable farming practices in action, as well as the UniFarm facilities at Wageningen University & Research, where research and innovation meet everyday agricultural practice. These visits gave us inspiration, strengthened our collaboration as partners, and reminded us of the importance of connecting practice, research and policy to support rural communities.
The CORE survey: why your voice is essential
A key part of our project is the survey currently open to young people under 40 in Austria, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland. Through this survey, we aim to gain a better understanding of the everyday realities of rural youth, including issues related to employment, income, well-being, workload and sense of belonging.
The responses collected will directly feed into our first major publication, “Assessment of Youth Employability in Agriculture and Rural Communities: A Comprehensive Outlook”, which will be a valuable resource for policymakers and organisations working on rural youth employment. However, to ensure that the findings are truly representative, we need more voices.
By taking part in the survey, you will:
- Make sure that the real needs and aspirations of your community are visible and cannot be ignored.
- Ensure that your perspective is reflected in future decisions affecting rural jobs, skills and opportunities.
- Help us push for more support and better policies that address the everyday challenges of rural and agricultural youth.
If you are under 40 and live or work in a rural or agricultural area in Austria, the Netherlands, Spain or Poland – we invite you to complete the survey today.
And if this does not apply to you, please help us spread the word by sharing the survey with young people in your network who could contribute – every voice matters!
Stay connected with CORE
We are excited about the journey ahead and the steps we are taking together. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates on our work, upcoming publications and opportunities to get involved in shaping a brighter future for rural youth in Europe.