"New Farmers" Promoting Agricultural "New Development" in Various Countries (International Perspective) Wisdom | Agriculture | Perspective
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations recently pointed out that the global agricultural and food system contains infinite power and potential, providing solid support for achieving sustainable development goals. A recent study released by the organization showed that in most countries covered by the FAO Rural Livelihood Information System, young people under the age of 35 account for about half of the total number of employees in the agricultural food system.
Currently, in some countries, more highly educated young people choose to return to rural areas for entrepreneurship and employment. These groups known as "new farmers" have brought new thinking, concepts, and methods to rural areas, accelerating the development of new formats such as smart agriculture, ecological agriculture, cooperative agriculture, rural logistics, and rural e-commerce.
"Millennium Farmers" Becoming the Main Force of Agricultural Innovation
A study jointly published by the Spanish Farmers and Ranch Owners Coordination Organization and the Higher Technical College of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Cordoba in Spain shows that the age of Spanish large farmers is constantly younger, with 30% of farmers under the age of 35. These young people who reach adulthood after the millennium are referred to as "millennial farmers" by Spanish media, with 75% of them coming from agricultural families and 83% living in rural areas. The survey also showed that 38% of young people working in agriculture and animal husbandry in Spain have a university degree, and 65% have at least a bachelor's degree or advanced vocational training certificate. "Millennium farmers" are becoming an important force in promoting the development of agriculture in Spain.
Daniel Cano is a 29 year old farmer who manages nearly 400 hectares of farms in the Torredo region of Spain, growing crops such as olives, pistachios, asparagus, and watermelons. Entering the farm, Kano was using drones to remotely monitor the condition of the farm and spray fertilizers on the farmland. During harvest season, drones can also transport agricultural products back and forth between farms and trucks in an orderly manner.
Kano is the fifth generation heir of the farm. During his university years, he studied surveying and mapping engineering and topography in Valencia, Spain. After graduation, he worked for a drone company in Barcelona. This work experience has given Carnot a new understanding of developing agriculture: "Through the application of high technology, we have realized that fertilization is not uniform. It needs to be adjusted according to soil type, fertility, slope, etc., so that each tree and seedling can meet their needs and improve agricultural production efficiency. This is the smart agriculture we pursue. Carnot fully applies new technologies to agriculture, not only fine management according to local conditions, but also follows the concept of circular agriculture, striving to create a soil self nourishing ecosystem.".
In recent years, Spain has placed greater emphasis on innovation and talent development in the agricultural sector, with multiple departments providing technical and operational assistance for young people to start businesses in the agricultural sector. The Agricultural Relations Research Institute, Agricultural Production Service and other agricultural organizations and institutions in the country will provide young people with technology and guidance in organic agriculture and other areas. In addition, Spain has established an industrialized management system of "farmers cooperatives companies" nationwide. Relevant departments and organizations will also assist young people in better integrating into the production and operation chain, improving their ability to resist risks. The renowned Spanish research institution Ingenio Foundation believes that Spanish agriculture is undergoing rapid transformation through active research and promotion of innovative development models.
Mobile agricultural clinics are widely welcomed by farmers
Rania herself never expected to become a "new farmer" before the age of 20, and received praise and encouragement from Algerian President Teppen.
Rania studied artificial intelligence technology in university and founded a startup company with six other young people. The company utilizes artificial intelligence and drone technology to conduct early monitoring of crop rust, solving the problem of pests and diseases that plague local agricultural production. "Rust like spots on crops are usually not visible to the naked eye, and farmers do not have enough time to go to the fields to inspect them one by one. Drones can detect rust disease through imaging devices and send information to farmers through mobile applications, reminding them to intervene early on sick crops and reduce losses," Rania told reporters.
There are still many young people active in the fields of Algeria who are taking care of crops and treating diseases. A company called "Mobile Agricultural Clinic" was just established a few years ago, and its members are mostly graduates from local agricultural universities. These young people use their knowledge to diagnose the health status of crops and provide specific suggestions such as fertilization and pesticide spraying when they visit rural areas for consultations. As soon as mobile agricultural clinics appeared, they were welcomed, and farmers came to consult with them in an endless stream.
In Algeria, 70% of farmers operate small and medium-sized farms with an average area of less than 10 hectares, and the overall level of agricultural scale production is not high. Most small and medium-sized farms lack advanced agricultural technology, leading to low crop yields and uneven quality. To change this situation, in recent years, the Afghan government has successively introduced policies for agricultural and rural revitalization and the "2019 Agricultural Initiative", injecting new impetus into agricultural and rural development by increasing funding and technological investment.
In order to attract more young talents to participate in agriculture and rural construction, the Algerian government has also introduced a new land law, which redistributes some agricultural land to small-scale agricultural investors, including young people. The relevant policies lean towards young people engaged in agricultural production in terms of funding and technology. The country is also preparing to build two new agricultural universities to cultivate more new agricultural talents.
Under the joint promotion of multiple factors, the efficiency of agricultural production in Algeria has been improved. In a report released by the World Economic Forum earlier this year, the country was referred to as a "pioneer" in improving agricultural sustainability through technological innovation.
"Innovation Pioneer" Helps Rural Economic Transformation
Nguyen Gongxi is a major farmer in Shuichen Village, Jinxi County, Fushou Province, Vietnam. His two fish ponds often have red goldfish that are sold out in advance by distributors.
Shuichen Village is located on the banks of the Red River and is a famous breeding town for red goldfish in Vietnam. To help more knowledgeable and motivated young people like Ruan Gongxi participate in goldfish farming and drive the people onto the path of wealth, the local government provides free fish fry and farming techniques. Agricultural technology experts come to farmers to help them learn modern breeding techniques, further optimize the quality of fish fry, and enhance added value through fish fry breeding and improved feed formulas. The government also encourages farmers to engage in refined farming through price mechanisms.
Local governments and relevant departments encourage young people to make full use of Internet resources to develop eco-tourism. During the season when goldfish are on the market, a large number of tourists come to visit and experience them. "Farming goldfish not only embodies the agricultural culture passed down from generation to generation, but also serves as a 'golden rice bowl' for rural youth to lift themselves out of poverty and become prosperous," said Ruan Gongxi.
To accelerate the achievement of agricultural modernization goals, the Vietnamese government approved the "Action Plan to Assist College Students in Entrepreneurship" in 2017, which includes creating a better innovation and entrepreneurship environment, providing financial support, etc. The plan will continue until 2025. The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has introduced multiple measures to promote the construction of smart agriculture and accelerate the transition to digital agriculture. The department is also establishing an advanced model recognition system for "new farmers" nationwide and building a financial assistance platform to attract highly educated youth to participate in agricultural production.
Vietnamese agricultural research institutions also provide various technical support for young people starting businesses in rural areas. For example, the Vietnamese Academy of Agricultural Sciences sends agricultural technology teams to various regions, imparting production knowledge for free, helping to establish a circular economy model, and promoting transformation and income growth according to local conditions. Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Liming Huan, encourages college students, especially graduates of agricultural majors, to play an "innovative pioneer" role in promoting the structural transformation and innovative development of Vietnam's agriculture and rural economy.
