Land for those who work on it! – Securing access to land for young farmers

CSO: Förderverein Arbeitsgemeinschaft bäuerliche Landwirtschaft Mitteldeutschland 
Area: Soil Market Awareness & Multiplier Empowerment
Location: Eastern Germany (Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony)

Type of project

The project is aimed at young people from the agricultural sector in eastern Germany. They will be informed about the situation on the land market and empowered to (publicly) push for the establishment of a more sustainable land policy and fair access to land. At a two-day soil congress with a participatory innovation lab, they will be connected with relevant stakeholders, associations and scientists for a long-term commitment to soil and climate protection.

The project strengthens public welfare-oriented and sustainable land access, supporting young farmers, SMEs, and the agricultural transition. Secure land use enables sustainability and climate protection. It also fosters collaboration among research institutions, farmers, conservation groups, nonprofit land stewards, rural initiatives, and policymakers.

Target

The project reaches young and prospective farmers by engaging directly at vocational schools, farms, and universities, where exposure to development policy and global learning is often limited. It focuses on rural areas in East German states, fostering self-efficacy and engagement in regions with socio-economic challenges and declining trust in institutions.

Science – Based

The project compiles and shares research on Germany’s land market, making it accessible through educational materials, events, and workshops using transformative education and ESD methods. As studies on agricultural land ownership are scarce, exchange forums at the Soil Congress will connect science and practice.

Gender

The project highlights gender inequalities in agriculture, where women face unequal rights and own less than 30% of agricultural land in Germany. It addresses these issues through educational formats and the Soil Congress while amplifying the voices of female actors, especially young female farmers.

Planned activities

• Development, promotion, and implementation of workshops on the land market, land access, and political/legal frameworks (conducted five times).
• Establishment and strengthening of a network ; to develop, promote, and organize the Soil-congress (with at least 100 participants).

Action model

• Builds on existing concepts for a fair, community-oriented land market and makes them more accessible.
• Targets young farmers, especially those without an academic background
• Connects young farmers with each other and key stakeholders to foster engagement and participation