Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Senator Pippa Hackett has today (Friday, September 20), addressed the first-ever National Youth Food Summit.
Over 500 young participants, including primary and secondary school pupils, third-level students, and young food system activists, attended the summit taking place at Airfield Estate in Dublin today.
The event includes interactive activities showcasing the Irish agri-food sector, the opportunities in this area and generating discussions on how young people can partake in and contribute to this sector.
Addressing the participants, Minister Hackett stressed the “crucial role” young people have in shaping the future of agriculture and food, emphasising their importance in keeping the sector innovative and resilient:
“You are the future of agriculture and food. Whether you become a farmer, an entrepreneur, an advocate, or an innovator, your voices and actions matter.”
Minister Hackett also highlighted the important contribution of women in agriculture and the need to empower young women as future leaders in the agri-food sector.
“Women are driving so much of the positive change we are seeing in agriculture, and we need even more of you to take the lead.
“I really hope that today’s event will prove to be a significant step in encouraging young women like you to help shape the future of our food systems,” Minister Hackett said.
National Youth Food Summit
The summit forms part of the broader Food Vision 2030 strategy which sets out Ireland’s approach to delivering sustainable agriculture and food. The strategy aims to actively involve youth in shaping the future of agriculture and food systems.
The event was organised by the National Youth Food Forum, which brings together students and young professionals throughout the agri-food sector, with support from the DAFM and the Irish Forum for International Agricultural Development.
The National Youth Food Forum was created to give young people in Ireland a platform to engage with food system challenges, exchange ideas, and drive change.