The Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD) Germany – SEE took part in the IAMO Forum 2025, organized under the theme: “Rural Roots and Routes: Navigating Complexities of Quality of Life, Immobility, and Migration.” The Forum brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across Europe and beyond to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities in rural areas of transition economies.
The APD Germany – SEE is financed by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) and jointly implemented by SWG and IAK, with the objective of strengthening the policy framework for agriculture and rural development in the Western Balkans—particularly in line with the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and CAP 2021–2027.
As part of its regular contribution to the IAMO Forum, the APD organized a thematic session titled: “Empowering Youth and Women in Agriculture – Strategies for Rural Revitalization in South East Europe.”
The session focused on institutional support, challenges in engaging women-led farms, rural policy coordination, and the role of digital tools and innovation hubs in attracting youth to rural areas. Representatives from partner countries shared national experiences and participated in discussions.
In addition to the Forum sessions, participants from four Western Balkan countries took part in a study visit program, which included site visits to academic and innovation institutions, a LEADER Local Action Group in Freyburg (Unstrut), and a female-led farm enterprise. These visits enabled knowledge exchange and the showcasing of practical examples of climate adaptation, innovation, and women’s entrepreneurship in agriculture.
Photo credits: Markus Scholz
