“Go for it. Choose the rural alternative. Reclaim the fields!” All around Europe, young urban people with no agricultural background decide to start a farm, often using agroecology and community supported agriculture. Despite the many difficulties these new farmers face, their practices are innovative, viable and sustainable.

They are a response to Europe’s emptying countrysides, and their numbers are growing. What drives young people make this radical choice?  What obstacles did they encounter and which solutions did they find? What do they recommend others with similar aspirations? What insights do they have for markets, policy and research?

This short video, which we co-produced with Future Farmers in the Spotlight portrays 8 ‘future farmers’ from France, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands.