The beginning of a young advisor`s career is difficult. It is a beautiful but also demanding job to support entrepreneurs such as farmers to not only be economically successful but to also integrate environmental and welfare issues. While Universities can provide theoretical knowledge, this is still not enough for young advisors to thrive in this attractive but challenging profession at the beginning of their careers. Many young advisors leave their positions within the first year. The results are the following: high costs, high turnover rates, and waste of resources. Moreover, advisory services are experiencing a crisis where the over-aging of advisors has exposed them to the risk of losing their know-how, which is mainly intangible knowledge, within the human beings themselves, based on long years of experience. Often there is no institutionalized framework or routine knowledge management to hand over these competencies in a structured way to the next generation of advisors.
Young advisors are crucial in supporting the sustainable food producers of today and tomorrow. Extension and Advisory services are important to keep current farmers and especially young future farmers interested in producing food and contributing to food security, young advisors with fresh knowledge are needed for this.
YEUFRAS, the Young European Forum for Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services, is a forming network dedicated to supporting young advisors in their personal and career development within agricultural advisory services.
Our recent Erasmus+ Young EUFRAS – YPARD Mentoring and Training Program 2022/23 supported twenty young advisors in rural advisory services by bridging the gap between theory and practice. Through mentorship, training, and networking, the program equipped participants with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their careers. Participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum covering essential topics such as communication, project management, and economic analysis. Mentored advisory visits and a capstone project provide practical experience and reflection.
Now, we're gearing up for the next program in 2024!
Join our network of passionate young advisors committed to sustainable agriculture by contacting our YEUFRAS ambassador, Edgars Dzelme, at edgars.dzelme@llkc.lv. Stay updated on latest opportunities and take the first step towards becoming a skilled and empowered agricultural advisor!
YEUFRAS Vision
A network of diverse and dynamic young agricultural advisors who are recognized as valuable partners and leaders in advancing the goals and priorities of the agriculture and agrifood sectors under the roof of EUFRAS.
YEUFRAS Mission
To empower young people to become effective and innovative agricultural advisors who can contribute to the sustainable development of the agriculture and agri-food sectors in their communities and beyond.
Our initiative aims to make rural advisory services more attractive for young specialists across Europe, contributing to the sustainable development of rural areas and strengthening food security for future generations.
Get acquainted with the YEUFRAS Strategy paper here