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Guest Talk: Diana Lenzi

In this episode from Global Trends, we explore the generational shift across the agricultural sector, from a European perspective. Diana Lenzi, the newly appointed president of CEJA (European Council of Young Farmers), joins us in the studio to shed light on the pressing challenges and opportunities facing young farmers in Europe.

With only 11% of European farms operated by individuals under 40, the agricultural sector faces a looming crisis. Diana highlights the alarming gap between aging farmers nearing retirement and the sparse younger generation ready to take the reins. The episode delves into the multifaceted challenges young farmers face, from societal perceptions and the economic viability of farming to the evolving skill set required in today's digital age.

Diana emphasizes the importance of reimagining rural areas, addressing the depopulation trend, and ensuring access to essential services. As she steps into her role at CEJA during a pivotal time marked by post-pandemic recovery, CAP reforms, and climate change challenges, Diana unveils her ambitious plans. She envisions a manifesto that not only guides young farmers but also enlightens policymakers about the future of European agriculture.

Join us for this insightful discussion that underscores the urgency of supporting the next generation of farmers, ensuring Europe's food security, and revitalizing rural economies.

Catch our full episode outlining the Generation Shift within Agriculture here. 

Guests
  • Matthew Tilt
    Matthew Tilt
  • Diana Lenzi
    Diana Lenzi
  • Scott Downey
    Scott Downey
  • Giorgia Scaglia
    Giorgia Scaglia
Did you know?
  • To combat rural depopulation, it is critical to invest in infrastructure and develop strong agricultural economies, as just one-eighth of the population currently lives in rural areas.
  • Despite a lack of formal education, older generations embrace new technologies and learn on the job, whilst the younger generation wants to enhance farming ways.
  • Education is a big differentiator between young and older farmers, and technology is critical in advancing and modernizing the agricultural economy.
Matthew Tilt
Matthew Tilt

MACHINERY EDITOR, FARM CONTRACTOR & LARGE SCALE FARMER

Matthew Tilt has always had a passion for writing; he expanded this passion by studying journalism at Staffordshire University. During this time, he began writing for several online publications. Today he is Machinery Editor of Farm Contractor & Large Scale Farmer – an agricultural machinery journal from the UK. Farm Contractor & Large Scale Farmer was launched in 1972 and continues to service generations of professional agricultural contractors. Matthew Tilt is also a jury member of Tractor of the Year – an international award for the best tractor in the European market.

Diana Lenzi
Diana Lenzi

PRESIDENT, CEJA
 
Diana Lenzi is a young farmer from Tuscany where, since 2008, she manages her family’s winery. She cultivates and processes grapes to make Chianti Classico wines, olives for EVO and ancient grains for flour and pasta. Diana has been involved and active in Confagricoltura (ANGA) since 2012, when she founded the section for Siena of which she was President for 6 years. Since then, she has been President at the regional level and Vice-President at the national level from 2015 to 2019. Following that she became ANGA delegate for CEJA, targeting her experience at EU level. Since June 2021 she has been CEJA’s President.
 

Scott Downey
Scott Downey

PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR OF CFAB, PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Scott Downey is a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, where he teaches courses in sales and marketing. He is the lead author of “ProSelling: A Professional Approach to Selling in Agriculture and Other Industries.” 
Scott is also Director of the Center for Food and Agricultural Business. He teaches in many of the center’s programs.
In the last years, he has been doing extensive research on generational shift by examining the most current graduates.

Giorgia Scaglia
Giorgia Scaglia

FARMER, SCAGLIA FARM
Giorgia Scaglia is a representative of the young generation of people in farming. She has a degree in a branch of economics,  information and corporate communication management. She works at her family farm – the Scaglia Farm – and takes care of the  communication of the company. Scaglia Farm was born in 1931 when her grandfather started it with just 20 cattle. Generation after generation, the farm has become bigger by following important values such as sustainability at 360° and quality.

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