Young Latin Americans discuss family farming

A training course bringing together 46 young farmers from ten Latin American countries is taking place in Brasília as part of the Mercosur Specialized Meeting on Family Farming (REAF), with the aim of promoting integration among the youth involved in family farming. Representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay are attending.

According to one of the event organizers, Lautaro Viscay, said the training aims to build knowledge on family farming and the role of youth. “It's a training course for young farmers and students with diverse profiles. They are having the opportunity to share knowledge about their countries and their political, economic, and social integration with Mercosur and its neighbors. They will have tasks, ideas, and proposals with them when they get back home,” he said.

“This helps enhance integration and allows us to advance policies and understand identities in family farming. It's an opportunity for young people to share experiences about their life in rural areas and their challenges in producing, improving, and maintaining a rural life,” said Viscay.

Siomora Congora, 24, from Nicaragua, grows cocoa and coffee trees, and is visiting Brazil for the first time. “I think this is a rich experience that provides an opportunity to meet people from other countries and learn about their cultures, farming experiences, and production processes. I'm looking forward to sharing what I've learned in this process,” she said.

Zoraima Artia, 20, rears cattle for beef in Uruguay. She is enjoying her experience with the training: “Family farming can benefit greatly from integrating and sharing best practices with other countries.”

The event runs until Sunday (Nov. 23) and includes discussions on development and techniques in family farming, as well as on-site visits.

Translated by Mayra Borges