On July 1st, during the General Assembly of CEJA (the European Council of Young Farmers) held in Brussels, a new leadership was elected for the 2025–2027 term. Young farmer delegates from across Europe unanimously agreed on the importance of unity, stability, and continuity – a clear signal in the face of today’s political and economic uncertainty.
Dutch farmer Peter Meedendorp was re-elected as CEJA President for a second term. The same team of Vice Presidents will continue alongside him: Rūdolfs Pulkstenis (Latvia), Elisabeth Hidén (Sweden), Katharina Schobersberger (Austria), and Matteo Pagliarani (Italy). The newly confirmed Presidency will present its strategic priorities during the first Working Group meeting in September this year.
Following his re-election, P. Meedendorp emphasized: “Behind today’s vote and procedures lies a strong call to continue the work we’ve begun and to remain united. Young farmers’ organizations are currently facing structural and political challenges. It is a great honor and responsibility to work alongside such committed colleagues. Our goal is to ensure that every CEJA member feels not only represented but also heard at the highest level.”
The Assembly also approved CEJA’s budget and welcomed two new observer members to the organization’s network, both aiming for associate membership: the Network of Young Agripreneurs (Mzeza mladih agropreduzetnika – MMA) from the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and NFU Scotland Next Generation from the United Kingdom.
Young farmers across Europe are sending a clear message: they are united in their pursuit of active involvement in policymaking, stronger representation, and long-term support structures that would enable young people to build sustainable farms and live in rural areas.
Key topics on the agenda include generational renewal, support for young farmers, climate challenges, and agricultural innovation. The newly elected CEJA leadership will work to ensure that these issues not only remain on the political agenda but are also effectively implemented in all EU member states.
Vytenis Grigas, Board Member of the Lithuanian Association of Young Farmers and Youth (LJŪJS) and Lithuania’s representative in CEJA, welcomed the decision: “CEJA members have sent a clear message – we are moving forward with purpose. Under Peter’s leadership, the team has proven its ability to work constructively, unite member states, and defend the interests of young farmers. We hope to remain actively involved in shaping European agricultural policy.”