Food Systems Through the Eyes of Young People Report Launch

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  Airfield Estate with their Youth Board, recently launched ‘Food Systems Through the Eyes of Young People’. The report examines what Ireland’s young people want from their food system, how they perceive the agri-food sector, food culture, and their vision for its future. The report shares an analysis of the social landscape surrounding food, agriculture and youth engagement in Ireland, with clear recommendations for policymakers, educators and sustainability organisations, such as Airfield. The project is the culmination of two years of work from Airfield’s inaugural Youth Board. This first-of-its-kind piece of research saw the Youth Board speak to 318 young people aged 16 to 30, representing 22 counties across the Republic of Ireland (majority Dublin). An in-depth survey assessed their knowledge of food origins, awareness of opportunities in the agri-food sector and their perceptions of farming and the food system.  From food prices to production, the report was created in the context of  an interesting time for Ireland's food system.  Our food system must become more sustainable - for example, 83% of the fruit and vegetables we consume are not Irish, while the Agriculture sector was directly responsible for 37.8% of national Greenhouse Gases emissions in 2023.  This report highlights a range of ways that we can reconnect with food production and encourage more sustainable food practices, starting from a young age. Read the full report here