Today, the Chairman of the Association of Young Farmers of UAC’s, Igor Novytskyi, and CEJA’s Secretary General, Marion Picot, met in Brussels at the CEJA Headquarters to formalise the entry into force of a Memorandum of Understanding focused on capacity-building, mutual support, and ad hoc invitations to specific internal meetings. The main objective will be for the organisations to acquaint and enrich each other in the areas of agricultural policy, governance, projects, and resilience.

For the Ukrainian Agri Council, the signing of the Memorandum is an important step in strengthening the representation of Ukrainian young farmers at the European level as Ukraine continues its path toward European integration. The partnership creates a practical platform for dialogue between Ukrainian and European agricultural communities.

CEJA is enthusiastic to lay the foundations for a beneficial and structured partnership with the Association of Young Farmers of the Ukrainian Agri Council. The Memorandum of Understanding is the first step to learn the unique challenges that Ukrainian young farmers have to cope with due to the prolonged war caused by Russia’s full-scale, unprovoked, and unjustified aggression. In this context, it is more important than ever to demonstrate solidarity not only with words but also with a systemic co-developed work programme to foster learning, empowerment, and knowledge exchange among the farmers of Europe.

The Memorandum, which will remain in force until the end of 2027, sets out a joint programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of young farmers and fostering closer cooperation between Ukrainian and European agricultural communities. The partnership seeks to support the development of young farmers, facilitate knowledge exchange between Ukrainian and European agricultural professionals, and strengthen the participation of Ukrainian youth in the European agricultural dialogue.

The cooperation also provides for joint initiatives that will help young people start and develop their own farming businesses, promote innovation, and strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector. The parties have agreed to maintain regular exchanges, provide expert support, and coordinate joint activities.

“Today, Ukrainian young farmers are working under circumstances that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago. Despite the challenges of war, they continue to produce food, develop their farms, and invest in the future. It is extremely important for us that Ukrainian youth become part of the European agricultural community already today. This partnership opens new opportunities for learning, professional development, and participation in shaping the policies that will define the future of agriculture in Europe,” said Igor Novytskyi, Chairman of the UAC Young Farmers Association.

CEJA’s Presidency highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership: “As young farmers, we fully recognise the power of the network and strength in the diversity of ideas. Being able to have a new partner in the Association of Young Farmers of UAC is a precious asset for both organisations' long-term perspectives, in particular, thanks to our new partners, we will be readier to anticipate market shocks and geopolitical crises through dialogue, collaboration, and planning”.

The MoU will ensure a dedicated spot for the Association of Young Farmers of UAC to CEJA’s capacity-building flagship initiative, the EU Young Farmers Leadership Programme, and provide governance and project support. On the other hand, CEJA will benefit from the novel partnership, getting expert advice on relevant topics such as enlargement, resilient agricultural systems, and generational renewal.

Both CEJA and the UAC Young Farmers Association believe that the future of European agriculture depends on its ability to attract a new generation of farmers, support innovation, and create conditions for the sustainable development of rural areas. For this reason, strengthening the young farmers’ movement remains a key priority for both Ukraine and the European Union.

The Memorandum marks an important step in strengthening cooperation between young farmers in Ukraine and across Europe. By combining experience, knowledge, and opportunities, the partnership will contribute to the development of a new generation of farmers and support the further integration of Ukrainian youth into the European agricultural community.

About UAC Young Farmers Association: The Young Farmers Association of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) brings together young agricultural producers from across Ukraine and works to strengthen the young farmers’ movement, advocate for the interests of young farmers, and create conditions for the sustainable development of rural communities. As part of the Ukrainian Agri Council, the Association contributes to broader efforts to strengthen the voice of Ukrainian agricultural producers and support their integration into European agricultural policy processes.

About CEJA: The European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) represents the political interests of around two million young farmers from across Europe. Its main objectives are to facilitate the installation of young farmers, to inform and train them as well as act as a forum for communication and dialogue between them.