The future of Brazil’s agricultural sector increasingly depends on young people who are prepared to act beyond the farm gates. With this in mind, the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA) has been expanding its actions to train leaders to represent agriculture in institutional, political, union, and communication forums.
At the forefront of this movement is the National Committee of New Agricultural Leaders, chaired by Fernanda Scherer Gehling, a rural producer from Rio Grande do Sul and a reference for young representatives in the sector. Gehling is directly involved in the articulation and training of new leaders, providing forums for education, exchange of experiences, and active participation in relevant debates. “We need leaders who are ready to act on multiple fronts. It is essential that these young people are equipped technically and politically to represent agriculture consistently,” says Gehling.
Family succession in agriculture is one of the key aspects that young people must be prepared to address, as many are taking on leadership roles in rural premises. Besides understanding the needs of the countryside, these new leaders must know how to ensure the continuity and strengthening of agricultural activities, maintaining the sustainability and growth of the sector.
Among the initiatives reinforcing this effort is the Porta-Vozes do Agro (Voices of Agribusiness) program, aiming at training young people to perform strategic functions and directly advocate the sector’s interests. The goal is to train representatives who are well-versed in the sector’s priority issues, able to communicate clearly, and prepared to engage with different audiences, from the National Congress to the general public.
CNA is also promoting practical experiences, such as the participation of young leaders in the 1st Forum of New Agricultural Leaders, held in Brasília. During the event, the young leaders attended the launch of the Agricultural Legislative Agenda in the Federal Senate Chamber. This direct contact with the legislative process allows new leaders to understand closely how sector issues are developed and debated while strengthening the connections between producers, lawmakers, and representatives of rural unions.
CNA’s mission is clear: to build a network of well-trained and engaged young people, capable of strengthening agriculture through knowledge, representation, and action. This journey is already underway and it is guided by an open, science-based dialogue that drives continuous growth and improvement in Brazil’s agricultural sector.