The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) is delighted to announce that Mole Valley Farmers Ltd has agreed to become our European sponsors for 2012/13. This sponsorship has enabled NFYFC to become full members of the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA).

What is CEJA?

CEJA is the voice of Europe’s next generation of farmers and one of the key advocates for the agricultural sector in Europe. Based in Brussels, it brings together young farmers' organisations from across Europe with the main objective of promoting a younger and more innovative agricultural sector across the EU and to create good working and living conditions for young people setting up in farming as well as existing young farmers. It has 29 member organisations and one associate member, representing 21 different European countries and over one million young farmers.

CEJA’s main objective is to promote a younger and innovative agricultural sector across the EU 27 and to create good working and living conditions for young people setting up in farming and those who are already ‘Young Farmers’. CEJA achieves this by acting as a forum for communication and dialogue between young farmers and European decision makers.

Why is it important for our members?

By being a member of CEJA, NFYFC is able to actively lobby on real life issues that affect our members and be at the centre of the debate regarding European Agricultural Policy (for further information click the CAP Reform tab above). Attending meetings allows our members to gain a better understanding of European farming methods and the opportunity to meet and engage with young farmers from across Europe.

In addition to attending CEJA meetings and seminars, our representatives will be given the opportunity to enter into discussions with agricultural ministers, relevant MPs and government officials and represent the needs of English and Welsh Young Farmers directly with the Agricultural Commission. As CEJA members, they will be given an audience with Members of the European Parliament and an opportunity to visit the European Parliament to give a voice to the issues that affect them.

What else does CEJA do?

CEJA is also involved in a number of pan-European projects that focus on young farmers. These projects range from

• Promoting farming practices that find practical ways to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions on farms.
• Addressing the problems of an ageing workforce and young people leaving the countryside
• Working with other youth organisations such as the European Youth Forum

For further information about the projects CEJA is involved in please visit the CEJA website.

Meet our CEJA representatives and read their latest report

Russell Carrington (Herefordshire YFC) and Chris Manley (Devon YFC) are the NFYFC CEJA representatives for England. Welsh representatives are due to be elected shortly. They are supported by James Chapman (Warwickshire YFC) and Dylan Jones (Wales YFC).

CEJA meetings and seminars are held throughout the year. NFYFC attends a minimum of four meetings in Brussels – including the General Assembly – and two seminars which are usually held in other EU countries. In addition to attending meetings, NFYFC also contributes to discussions via email. These meetings are an opportunity for our members’ views and concerns to be heard.

Representative reports

• CEJA Working Group 21-01-2013
• CEJA Sweden Conference Report
• Chris Manley's CEJA Report (Oct 2012)
• Katherine and Jonny’s latest CEJA report (07-05-12)
• CEJA rep Katherine Sealy's report from December working group

Useful Information

• MEP Capoulas Santos’ support for young farmers
• Position paper (CAP reform)
• Current installation aid in Europe
• Response to the Commission’s Communication
• ARAC Letter to European Commissioner
  
• NFYFC response to May 2011 amended Dess report

Learn more about Mole Valley

Mole Valley Farmers was started in 1960 by a small group of farmers in South Molton, Devon. With a group turnover reaching £350m, Mole Valley Farmers continue to promote its core values of making scale work on behalf of the farming community. Today, there are more than 7000 farmer shareholders and more than 25000 country members. It is also one of the largest employers in the South West. Everyone is welcome to shop at Mole Valley Farmers branches.

www.molevalleyfarmers.com