D-LEAD – Digitalisation for the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders

Project Reference: 2023-1-EL02-KA154-YOU-000144986
Event Dates: 1–6 June 2025
Location: Naoussa, Greece
Funded by: European Union (Erasmus+ Programme)

This Erasmus+ project will take place from 31 May to 7 June 2025 in Naoussa, Greece. As part of the initiative, young people from Germany, Greece, France, and Spain will come together to discuss the digital transformation of agriculture and explore how youth participation can influence decision-making processes at the local level.

🌱 Partner Organisations

🇩🇪 ARSU Academy (Germany)
🇬🇷 Institute for the Promotion and Certification of Agri-Food Products (Greece)
🇫🇷 Association Carquois (France)
🇪🇸 Associació Globers (Spain)

🎯 Project Overview

D-LEAD is an Erasmus+ project that aims to empower young people from rural areas to actively engage in shaping agricultural policies and decision-making processes.

The project responds to the growing need to involve youth more effectively in defining the future of agriculture, particularly in the context of digital transformation and innovation. By fostering leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills, D-LEAD helps young people better understand how agricultural policies impact their lives and equips them to contribute proactively to more sustainable and inclusive agricultural systems across Europe.

A central element of the project is the Agriforum on Digitalising Policies for Livestock Farming and Crop Production, which brings together young farmers, policymakers, and agri-entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and develop digital solutions to improve agricultural policy frameworks.

🎯 Project Objectives

Promote Youth Engagement: Inspire young people to participate actively in local policymaking and decision-making processes that shape agriculture, food systems, and sustainability.
Strengthen Critical Thinking: Enable participants to reflect on and constructively question existing policies instead of passively accepting them.
Raise Awareness: Improve understanding of agricultural policies, particularly the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Farm to Fork Strategy, and their relevance at local and regional levels.
Develop Skills: Enhance leadership, communication, and negotiation competences that are essential across social, professional, and political contexts.
Support Sustainable Change: Motivate young people to take responsibility for their future in farming and food production, embrace digital innovation, and collaboratively develop solutions.

👥 Target Groups

Young People from Rural Areas: The core target group of the project, actively engaged in learning, dialogue, and shaping their communities.
Youth with Fewer Opportunities: The project is committed to inclusion and equal opportunities, enabling participation by young people who face social, economic, educational, or geographic challenges.
Young Professionals and Students: Individuals working or studying in agriculture or related fields who will benefit from knowledge about digital tools, EU policies, and leadership skills.
Youth Activists and Civically Engaged Individuals: Young people dedicated to democratic participation, sustainability, and resilient food systems are strongly encouraged to participate.
Local Decision-Makers: Representatives of public authorities and institutions are included to foster intergenerational dialogue and institutional cooperation.

🤝 Key Activity: The Agriforum

The Agriforum on Digitalising Policies for Livestock Farming and Crop Production serves as the flagship event of the project. It provides a platform to: