Europe’s food system is undergoing a significant transition, shaped by changing agricultural policies, environmental pressures and evolving approaches to protein production. But what role do young people have in determining its future?
This report by Generation Climate Europe examines the EU Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan from a youth perspective, exploring their implications for sustainability, food systems and intergenerational fairness. It highlights how young people are often viewed primarily as future farmers, overlooking their existing contributions as consumers, entrepreneurs, innovators, workers and citizens.
The report identifies gaps in youth participation and the broader vision for Europe’s protein transition, questioning whether current policies provide a sufficiently clear pathway towards a sustainable and resilient food system.
It concludes with five recommendations to strengthen youth engagement, improve food and protein literacy, support young innovators and farmers, and ensure that intergenerational fairness shapes Europe’s agricultural future.
