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Agriculture and rural development
  • 7 March 2025

Anja Fortuna: Advocating for rural youth in Europe

From a small village in Slovenia’s Prealps to the heart of Brussels, Anja Fortuna has dedicated her career to ensuring that young people in rural areas have a voice in European policymaking. As Programme Manager at Rural Youth Europe, she works to address the challenges faced by rural youth, advocating for policies that reflect the realities of rural life and agriculture.

Finding her rural identity

A rural person that has found their way to Brussels," she says. Her journey into rural advocacy was not always straightforward. As a teenager, she struggled with her rural identity, initially distancing herself from her family’s farming background. However, joining the Slovenian Rural Youth Association changed her perspective. She discovered a deep pride in agriculture and the vital role of rural entrepreneurship. Her family's experience running a rural guest house and farm highlighted both the dedication required and gaps in rural policies. This realisation fuelled her commitment to making a difference at the policy level.

Strengthening rural representation

I bring perspectives of real life in rural areas and a personal connection to agriculture to European-level policy and advocacy.

Anja Fortuna

Championing gender equality in agriculture

Shaping the future of European agriculture

"Farmers should no longer be the weakest partner in the food chain," she asserts. Looking ahead, Anja envisions an agricultural sector that places farmers at the centre, offering them fair incomes and a sustainable future. "The EU plays an important role in shaping this transformation, and decision-makers should not only include EU institutions and member states, but also stakeholders, particularly organisations representing farmers," she emphasises.

She believes that EU policies must adopt a ‘rural proofing’ approach, ensuring they reflect the realities of rural life. As a member of the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF), she is committed to pushing for policy changes that empower rural youth and create thriving rural communities. "I am extremely happy to represent Rural Youth Europe in this space, and I hope that the directions set by the EBAF will be implemented in EU policymaking," she adds.

A lasting impact on rural communities

I would like to see an agricultural sector that supports farmers’ quality of life, ensuring they receive fair income and opportunities.

Anja Fortuna