Bayer, along with two Belgian young farmers associations, Groene Kring and Fédération des Jeunes Agriculteurs (FJA), are inviting young thought leaders from around the world to apply to attend the third Global Youth Agriculture Summit from October 9 to 13, 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. Interested young leaders, aged 18 to 25, are invited to apply for participation. Essay applications will be accepted here until January 13, 2017.

At the summit, about 100 selected young delegates from around the world will engage in an open discussion on one of the world’s most challenging questions: How do we sustainably feed a hungry planet?

Applicants are asked to submit an essay on the underlying causes of food insecurity and the effect it can have on a growing population. Key selection criteria include the ability to demonstrate original ideas and passion to help shape the future.

“We are delighted to co-host the next Youth Ag-Summit in Brussels,” says FJA’s secretary general Guillaume Van Binst. “FJA aims to mobilize stakeholders, organize advocacy, and address both farmers and the general public. And where better to do so than at this prestigious global event?” Groene Kring national chairman Giel Boey agrees. “Brussels, is an ideal location for this seminal gathering of young farmers to help us face up to the future of agriculture and of feeding the world,” he says.

The Summit’s long-term goal is to inspire delegates to act on the challenges facing our global food supply, and action is clearly needed to improve young people’s knowledge about agriculture, since many young people are disconnected from farming and give little thought to where their food comes from.

“Bayer is committed to encouraging young people to learn about agriculture and to inspire the next generation of ag visionaries. With initiatives like the 2017 Youth Ag-Summit, agricultural scholarships and experimental learning at our student labs and online, we want to encourage young people to learn more about sustainable agriculture and food supply whereby the vital role of science and innovation is highlighted,” says Bernd Naaf, Head of Business Affairs & Communications and Labor Director at Bayer.