The International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF) wishes to thank the HLPE for the possibility to contribute to this comprehensive draft report entitled 'Promoting youth engagement and employment in agriculture and food systems'.
3.1. What can make i) farming/fisheries/livestock rearing and other forms of food provision and ii) other roles in the food system a more attractive option for youth employment?
In our view, agricultural diversification is one of the elements which may make farming more attractive for the youth. Notably, bringing modern farming and innovation - such as vertical farming, precision agriculture, the development of new food and feed products/ingredients (e.g. insect farming) etc - closer to what is perceived as 'traditional farming' will, in our view, attract the younger generations (e.g. adolescents, young adults).
The advantages of supporting agricultural diversification are two-fold:
- on the one hand, young adults with a background in farming may develop new skills, which would encourage them to remain active in the field of agriculture;
- on the other hand, young adults with other backgrounds (e.g. computer science, engineering) who are seeking employment might be more attracted by the modern aspects of such diverse farming activities.
Ms. Isabel de la Peña