Union’s new CEJA membership ensures Scottish young farmers are represented in key European policy discussions.
NFU Scotland has joined the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) as its newest observer. It came following a successful vote at the representative body for young farmers in Europe’s General Assembly yesterday (2 July) in Brussels. The Union has become part of a vibrant European network, advocating for the interests of young farmers across the continent. Its representation will be channelled through the British Agriculture Bureau (BAB), which serves as the UK’s voice in Brussels.
The Union has been committed to amplifying young farmer voices for some time, launching its bespoke Young Farmers Membership Category, last year. NFU Scotland’s membership of CEJA will be represented by the Next Generation Committee, a group of young farmers and crofters from across Scotland who help shape the Union’s work and engage directly with policymakers on critical issues. The Committee has been a powerful platform for encouraging fresh leadership in Scottish agriculture.
Ben McClymont, Chair of the Committee, was pleased this new European link will open doors to new ideas and cross-border collaboration. Commenting on yesterday’s vote, he said: “Young farmers and crofters are the future of our industry and we must give them a seat at the decision table. Through this new membership and our Next Generation Committee, the Union is investing in a forward-looking sector that’s equipped, empowered and prepared for years to come.”
The move is particularly timely given Scotland’s ongoing ambition to remain closely aligned with the European Union on key policy areas. It also follows the recent UK-EU reset, which will pave the way for dynamic alignment with EU standards on areas including food and feed safety, animal health and welfare, and plant protection products as part of a wider Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.
Vice Chair of the Next Generation Committee Michael Munro, represented the Union at today’s assembly. Commenting on the announcement, he said: “It’s fantastic to join CEJA , a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation dedicated to the future of agriculture. In conversations with young farmers across Europe, it's clear that we face many of the same challenges: accessing land and finance, ensuring sustainable budgets and making our voices heard in policy-making.
“Becoming part of CEJA opens doors to shared knowledge, policy ideas, and collaborative working between Scotland and the rest of Europe. I’m excited about the opportunities this membership brings and look forward to building strong relationships with our European counterparts.”
Notes to editors:
- CEJA is the representative organisation of young farmers from across Europe. They are a membership organisation working to promote a younger and more innovative agricultural sector across Europe and to create good working and living conditions for young people setting up in farming and those who are already young farmers.
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Contact Brooke Harwood on 07823 556253