Young farmers get ready to travel to Austria for European Rally 2023

The event will take place from July 30th to August 6th, 2023 at Bildungszentrum Ehrental, Klagenfurt, Austria, under the theme ‘Grow-Eat-Repeat: Circular Economy of Food’.

Led by YFCU president, Stuart Mills, the team consists of Matthew Livingstone, YFCU vice president and member of Collone YFC; Rebecca Brunt from Trillick and District YFC, Andrew Reid from Crumlin YFC, and Cathy Reid from Castlecaulfield YFC.

This year’s European Rally endeavours to raise awareness among rural youth regarding the long-term consequences of food production and consumption on our planet.

The primary objective of the event is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to make sustainable choices when it comes to food. Moreover, it offers a platform to explore the circular economy of food and discover sustainable strategies implemented by other member-led organisations.

Sharing best practices, innovative ideas, methodologies, and activities pertaining to regional food production, recycling, and carbon dioxide reduction will also be central to the week-long event. The goal is to empower young people to actively engage in the development, enhancement, and support of their local communities.

Participants will gain valuable insights into how individuals and organisations can contribute to circular economies. Attendees will work on designing a booklet to compile ideas and action plans that can be utilised by partner organisations.

YFCU president and rally team leader, Stuart Mills said: “As the president of Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, I am thrilled to be attending the Rural Youth Europe, European Rally 2023. This event is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with like-minded young farmers and youth groups from across Europe.

“We look forward to sharing our best practices, participating in enriching workshops, and experiencing the vibrant cultures of different countries.”

The YFCU president concluded: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Danske Bank, for their continued commitment and sponsorship, enabling us to represent YFCU at the European Rally 2023.”

Rodney Brown, head of agribusiness, Danske Bank said: “Danske Bank are delighted to support the YFCU European Rally as part of our platinum sponsorship.”

He added: “This is an excellent opportunity for the rally team to learn from experience and to broaden their knowledge through sharing best practices with ‘like minded people’ from a range of European countries.”

He concluded: “We wish them safe travels and look forward to reading the booklet on the output from their workshops.”