Rural entrepreneurship in relation to innovation Perspectives from The Young Friends of the Countryside (YFCS) Brussels June 2013

Definition Young Friends of the Countryside is a European membership association for future and young private landowners and rural business people aged between 18 and 35 years old Widely known by its acronym, YFCS is recognized by the European Union as an International Non Profit Organisation

Objectives European Rural Business Opportunities Estates & Historical Houses Management European Environmental Policies Estates & Historical Houses inheritance Channel ideas at EU level through ELO Leverage on members’ innovative countryside experiences

YFCS – Connection with ELO ELO General Assembly ELO Consultative Committee Policy Group Staff Board Staff Board Members Board Members Board

YFCS members are frequently informed on 16 carefully selected areas of focus – particularly in relation to rural entrepreneurship and its various opportunities Natura 2000AgricultureForestryClimate Change Biomass & BiofuelsGreen TechRenewablesFisheries & Water Soil & PesticidesSustainable HuntingHistoric HousesTransmission EntrepreneurshipAsset managementEU lobbyingEU policymaking YFCS – Information

Global Challenges

Opportunities and threats leading to research and innovation – water Water is a crucial production factor for food production and environmental services The land manager, being aware of the crucial importance of water in rural enterpreneurship, implements research ideas and develops innovative solutions, i.e. Rainwater harvesting, water reuse Biotechnology Crop rotations that make best use of available water Adjustments of sowing dates

Food Security Rising food prices increase the incentives for deforestation, which again is a major cause of global warming. Climate effect of deforestation and conversion of pasture into crop land: 18 per cent. This is more than the climate effect of global manufacturing and more than the climate effect of global transportation. World food security likely to become a significant political issue (civil unrest, migration). (Professor Harald von Witzke, 2013)

Agricultural innovation and food security

Increasing price of food generates new employment and income opportunities for farmers, and for upstream and downstream industries.

Research shows that agricultural research is among the socially most profitable investments in industrial countries and developing nations alike. Foster innovation and productivity growth: Agricultural research policy will have to be a key component in the new international agricultural policy agenda. Increase public agricultural research investment. Encourage private agricultural research investmenmt.