FROM VISION TO ACTION: CORENET AND MAYA, GRASSROOTS PROJECTS SHAPING EU AGRICULTURE FROM THE GROUND UP
The MaYA Foundation participated in the Vision for Agriculture and Food conference held on 8 May in Brussels, bringing youth perspectives to the forefront of EU policy discussions
Cultivating means to care, grow, and be patient. In agriculture, cultivating means caring for the land, rearing livestock, and producing our food — but it also means nurturing relationships and defending the rights of those working towards a sustainable future.
The Malta Youth in Agriculture (MaYA) Foundation understands this deeply, and combines a technical approach with efforts to build bridges between young farmers, government entities, and the general public. The MaYA Foundation is an independent organisation committed to promoting sustainable agriculture, with a strong focus on the next generation of farmers in the Maltese Islands.
MaYA is also a Key National Contact Point (KNCP) of COREnet, and together they work towards building networks of mutual support in agriculture and food supply chains.
Jeanett Borg, who has been part of the organisation since its inception, had the opportunity to highlight the importance of generational renewal, innovation, and sustainability, during the conference on the Vision for Agriculture and Food. The event, titled “Shaping the Future of Farming and the Agri-Food Sector“, was inaugurated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who opened with direct yet powerful words: “Farmers deserve better“.
The hybrid conference gathered around 1,000 participants from all EU Member States and aimed to unite stakeholders to develop a strong vision for EU agriculture and food systems—one that is sustainable, resilient, and appealing to future generations.
Anne van Leewen – young female farmer addressing the conference.
The discussions centred on the challenges faced by agricultural workers and how these could be better tackled—particularly the bureaucratic slowdowns and administrative burdens. “More flexibility for small farmers. Fewer inspections. Less paperwork. More trust – so you can focus more on the farm and your family,” said von der Leyen.
At the conference, Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen added: “This Vision is the starting point to shape the new policy. We need feedback and to discuss. From vision to action.”
The active participation of young leaders and representatives marked a significant step in giving visibility to emerging voices in EU policy-making. MaYA and COREnet are one of those voices working across stakeholders in the agricultural sector. It is helping drive the shift from consultation to implementation, taking concrete steps towards a farming future that is not only fit for purpose, but fit for the people.
Featured image: Illustration by Julia Hoffmann from Mosaics and Circles 2025
