International symposium “The Farmers of Tomorrow: Skills, Jobs and Renewal Pathways in Times of Uncertainty”

HIGHLIGHT: CALL FOR POSTERS - “Stories from the Field: The People Shaping the Future of Agriculture”

The symposium approaches renewal and attractiveness in the agri-food sector as core structural dynamics, shaped by the interaction of economic, social, institutional, territorial and sector-specific factors. Renewal is understood not as a purely demographic process, but as one conditioned by the organisation of production, labour relations, access to resources, living conditions in rural areas and public policy frameworks.

The analysis is grounded in the economics of agricultural activity. Issues such as profitability, income stability, access to land and finance, production costs and working conditions are treated as determinants of both entry into and permanence within the sector. Innovation is considered in a broad sense — encompassing not only technological change but also organisational, business and governance models that may influence viability.

A territorial perspective underpins the entire discussion, recognising that decisions about agricultural careers are embedded in broader rural contexts. Access to services, infrastructure, education, housing, complementary employment opportunities and overall quality of life are treated as key factors shaping the sector's attractiveness. Gender and generational dimensions are integrated transversally, examining how institutional arrangements, labour markets and access to resources may create differentiated opportunities or barriers for women and young people.

Finally, the symposium takes an inclusive Mediterranean perspective, building its analysis upon evidence and direct contributions from across the whole region, with the aim of identifying convergences, divergences and context-specific dynamics that can inform policy, innovation and practice.