Young people stand at the heart of a rapidly changing world. They have the vision, energy and entrepreneurial spirit to find new and innovative ways to cultivate, create, package and transport the food we all need. If adequately nourished, educated, equipped with resources and involved in decision-making, young people can drive economic transformation and global prosperity. This brief presents the key messages and findings from the FAO report The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems – the most comprehensive evidence-based analysis of youth engagement in agrifood systems to date. It highlights both the opportunities available to young people and the structural barriers they face, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers and development actors. The aim is to support more equitable and sustainable agrifood systems, where rural youth are not only beneficiaries but also drivers of change.