Key Takeaways
- AGCO Agriculture Foundation is providing a $300,000 grant to support the FAO’s World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Skills Hub program.
- The partnership aims to enhance youth skills and capacity for sustainable agrifood systems in the Global South.
- The WFF serves as a global platform to engage young people in agrifood system development.
- The initiative will focus on skills development, access to resources, and knowledge-sharing.
- AGCO Agriculture Foundation continues its efforts in agricultural education and workforce development.
AGCO Agriculture Foundation Supports FAO Youth Skills Initiative
The AGCO Agriculture Foundation has announced a partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to support youth engagement in agrifood systems. The Foundation will provide a $300,000 grant to the World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Skills Hub program, which focuses on equipping young people with knowledge and training in sustainable agriculture.
The World Food Forum (WFF), launched in 2021, is a platform hosted by the FAO that brings together stakeholders to support the transformation of agrifood systems and contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Attracting young people to agriculture is essential for the future of food production,” said Roger Batkin, Board Chair of AGCO Agriculture Foundation. “Through partnerships and programs, the Foundation seeks to equip a new generation with skills to address agricultural challenges.”
AGCO Agriculture Foundation & FAO: Developing Skills for Agrifood Systems
A key focus of the AGCO Agriculture Foundation’s partnership with the FAO is youth skill development. The WFF Youth Skills Hub program aims to complement existing education initiatives by providing:
- Training programs focused on agrifood systems.
- Access to resources for entrepreneurship and leadership.
- Mentorship and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
“Formal education programs do not always fully prepare young people for leadership roles in agrifood systems,” said Kazuki Kitaoka, FAO Director for the Office of Youth and Women. “This collaboration with the AGCO Agriculture Foundation aims to develop approaches that offer practical knowledge and skills.”
Expanding Knowledge and Community Engagement
The initiative seeks to create opportunities for young people to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge within their communities. The program will focus on:
- Identifying demand-driven skills to align with industry needs.
- Increasing access to relevant knowledge and training materials.
- Supporting young individuals in sharing insights and best practices.
By promoting knowledge-sharing and workforce development, the Foundation and the FAO aim to support youth involvement in agrifood systems.
