More than half of the world’s population is under the age of 36. Youth are therefore central to the future of agrifood systems and to achieving food security, resilient rural economies and sustainable development. In a rapidly evolving global landscape shaped by climate change, biodiversity loss, conflict, demographic transitions and economic pressures, young people are already contributing as entrepreneurs, producers, researchers and community leaders across agrifood systems.

FAO’s report The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems (2025) underscores both the urgency and the opportunity of investing in youth empowerment and agency. The report highlights how young people are advancing new technologies, business models and locally driven approaches that expand economic opportunities, revitalize rural communities and contribute to more resilient agrifood systems.

At the same time, many young people continue to face structural barriers that limit their ability to fully contribute to and benefit from agrifood systems transformation. These include constrained access to land, finance, education and skills, technology, markets, decent employment opportunities and decision-making spaces.

Addressing these challenges requires moving beyond approaches that position youth solely as beneficiaries of development interventions. Youth are strategic actors, partners and co-creators of transformation. Evidence consistently shows that when young people are empowered through access to opportunities, resources, capacities and enabling environments, they accelerate innovation, strengthen resilience and drive more equitable and future-oriented agrifood systems.