Learning Through Engagement: Armenian Delegates Participate in the Second Regional Rural Youth Forum

Rural populations across Europe and Central Asia are aging and youth engagement in agriculture is declining. The Second Regional Rural Youth Forum, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), brought together young voices to envision a more inclusive and vibrant future for rural communities. Held from 11 to 13 June in Budapest, the event created a dynamic space for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of experiences among youth, policymakers, and development partners from 22 countries. 

Throughout the three-day event, participants dove into topics such as the generational renewal of farming, youth-friendly agricultural policies, and how to better integrate young people into sustainable, green agricultural practices. For many, it wasn’t just about talking policy - it was about being heard.

Armenia was represented at the forum by Lilit Hakobyan from the Ministry of Economy and Emma Khachatryan, a young farmer, focused on organic agriculture. 

As representatives from across Europe and Central Asia shared national experiences, Hungary’s approach to involving children in agriculture caught the attention of Armenian delegate Lilit Hakobyan. She was particularly impressed by a school programme in which children receive seeds and, with the support of their parents, are encouraged to grow their own plants - an approach that builds awareness of agriculture and food systems from an early age. Ms Hakobyan noted that introducing similar initiatives in Armenia could help shift prevailing perceptions of agriculture among young people - from being seen as a physically demanding profession requiring little formal education toward a more respected, innovative and forward-looking career path for young people.

Emma Khachatryan, a young organic farmer and founder of Bari Farm, shared her journey of establishing a successful family business that is focused on sustainability. During her presentation, she highlighted the key challenges and milestones experienced along the way, including limited resources. What resonated with her most at the forum was how similar the experiences of young farmers from different countries were, despite their diverse backgrounds and country contexts.

“We were all facing the same struggles: access to land, financing, markets, and a lack of youth representation in decision-making,” Emma said. She was encouraged to see how FAO is responding with forward-thinking, youth-oriented initiatives that embrace innovation and sustainability - exactly the kinds of approaches young people are drawn to. 

“I would love to see more government-backed programs in Armenia that focus specifically on empowering youth in agriculture. We need to make it easier for young people to see farming not as outdated, but as something modern, fulfilling, and impactful.”

The event also marked FAO’s 80th anniversary - an appropriate occasion to highlight the role of the next generation in shaping the future of agriculture. Through this kind of initiative, FAO prioritizes youth as key actors in building sustainable food systems and resilient rural economies.

For the Armenian participants, Emma and Lilit, the forum served as a strong reminder that youth engagement in agriculture goes beyond policy discussions. It is a fundamental component of ensuring the vitality of rural communities, fostering a sense of value in agricultural heritage, and enabling young people to contribute meaningfully to the sector’s future.

News story

Using the power of youth to revive rural areas

Event page

Second Regional Rural Youth Forum for Europe and Central Asia

Photos

https://www.flickr.com/photos/128106072@N05/albums/72177720326776630/