The Congress brought together more than 500 participants and focused on current topics in agriculture, with particular emphasis on the role of young farmers in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for European agriculture, reported the office of Croatian MEP Sunčana Glavak.
On this occasion, Glavak, who is also the EPP ambassador for selecting the best young Croatian farmer, hosted in Brussels this year's finalists for the Best Young Croatian Farmer award and the Most Exemplary Croatian Rural Woman award, led by Maja Šulog and Aleksandra Zajac.
This year, Croatia was represented in the competition for the best young European farmer by Maja Šulog from Donja Bistra, who runs the family company "Exotic King", which grows exotic fruits and vegetables and is the only such producer in Croatia.
Young farmers from EU member states competed not only for the overall title but also in three other categories: Best Digital Project, Best Energy Efficiency Project, and Best Social Inclusion Project.
Aleš Čadež from Slovenia was named the Best Young European Farmer for 2025 and he also won the award for the Best Digital Project. Ryan Portelli from Malta won the award for Best Energy Efficiency Project, and Joana Vacas Freixa from Portugal received the award for Best Social Inclusion Project, the MEP's office reported.
MEP Glavak congratulated Maja Šulog on her achievement.
Šulog expressed satisfaction that the European Union recognises the importance of young farmers. "I am proud to have represented Croatia at this congress and to have shown that exotic fruit can be grown in our country as well. I am also pleased that this was an opportunity to meet other young farmers, exchange experiences and highlight the challenges we face," Šulog said.
Support for the best young Croatian farmer also came from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, represented at the congress by State Secretary Zdravko Tušek. Congratulating the award winners, Tušek emphasised that young Croatian farmers successfully use numerous agricultural policy measures, from direct payments and investment aid to financial instruments, and that their share of 14% is above the European average.
The congress was also attended by Virovitica-Podravina County Prefect Igor Andrović, whose county has one of the highest shares of young farm holders among Croatian counties -- as much as 20.7%, meaning that roughly every fifth family farm is run by a young farmer.
The best young farmers were welcomed by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, the President of the European People's Party and EPP Group Chair, Manfred Weber, and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen.
Metsola pointed out that more than a quarter of Europe's population lives in rural areas and that agriculture is a fundamental pillar of the European society and economy, crucial for food security and the future of young farmers.
In a video message, Weber stressed that food can be used as a weapon in an increasingly unstable world, and that the work of farmers is essential for protecting Europe and ensuring food security.
Commissioner Hansen presented the new Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture, which highlights support for women in agriculture, easier access to land, funding and education for young people, as well as the importance of startup packages and investment aid. The strategy also includes aligning EU initiatives with national pension systems and succession planning to enable young people to take over agricultural holdings.