The European Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China agreed on April 21 in Brussels to launch a bilateral program that will allow young farmers to strengthen cooperation in the fields of agriculture and rural development through the exchange of Chinese and European professionals.

The EU-China Young Farmers Programme will organize two study trips to China for young European farmers, and two study trips to Europe for young Chinese farmers and young agricultural professionals. Participants will also attend training courses.

Young European farmers who meet the following requirements may benefit from this program:

- Be under 40 years old

- Good knowledge of English

- Availability for 2 weeks in November 2017 or June 2018

- High level of experience and interest in sustainable agriculture

- High level of interest in Chinese agriculture

Candidates must submit their applications by September 10, 2017, using this form . Twenty young European farmers will be selected from among the applicants.

The program's main objectives are to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of experiences and best practices; enhance capacity building in modern agricultural techniques; strengthen cooperation in green development, environmental protection practices, and sustainable agriculture; produce recommendations for practitioners and policymakers on sustainable agricultural practices; increase mutual understanding between young professional farmers and agricultural professionals from both sides; and develop and deepen international cooperation and exchanges in agriculture between China and the European Union.

The experience gained by the participants during their visits will lead to the drafting of recommendations for the agricultural and rural community and for the political powers of the European Union and China. The document containing the final recommendations will be made public at a conference to be held in China in late 2018 to analyze the results of the program's experience.

This initiative arises from the similar challenges faced by both the European Union and China in the field of rural development and agriculture, such as the diversity of agriculture, the natural environment, cultural traditions, the diversity of socioeconomic situations, the aging of the rural population, and so on. The program is co-funded by both China and the European Union.