Vytenis Grigas, Board Member of the Lithuanian Young Farmers and Youth Union (LJŪJS), has recently received significant international recognition – he has been appointed as an expert to two Civil Dialogue Groups of the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA). This marks an important step in strengthening the representation of young farmers at the European Union level. We spoke with Vytenis Grigas about the significance of these roles, the responsibilities involved, and his expectations.
First of all – congratulations on your appointment. What does becoming a CEJA expert in two civil dialogue groups mean to you personally?
It is both a great honor and a major responsibility. CEJA is the main organization representing young farmers in the European Union, so the trust shown in appointing me as an expert represents not only personal recognition but also greater visibility for Lithuanian young farmers at the European level. For me, this is an opportunity to directly participate in shaping discussions and decisions that have a real impact on the future of farms.
You have been appointed to the Civil Dialogue Group on CAP Strategic Plans and Horizontal Matters. Why is this group important for farmers?
This civil dialogue group examines the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans, including direct payments, rural development, sectoral support schemes, and the long-term direction of the CAP. In other words, it deals with issues that directly affect farmers’ incomes, investment opportunities, and the sustainability of farms.
For young farmers, this is especially important because CAP decisions influence generational renewal in agriculture, establishment conditions, access to finance, and long-term stability. My goal is to ensure that the needs of young farmers are not treated as secondary.
The second working group is Agricultural Markets – Fruits and Vegetables. Why is this area relevant?
The fruit and vegetable sector is one of the most dynamic, but also one of the most sensitive to market fluctuations. This civil dialogue group analyzes market developments, economic and policy changes, CAP measures, market stabilization, and the competitiveness of the crop sector.
Young farmers are increasingly choosing this sector because of innovation, short supply chains, and higher added value. However, this requires stable policy, clear rules, and effective risk management tools. My role is to contribute to ensuring that decisions are oriented not only toward large markets but also toward small and medium-sized farms.
How will the interests of Lithuanian young farmers be represented in these working groups?
It is very important for me to maintain direct contact with Lithuanian young farmers, members of the Chamber of Agriculture, and other national organizations. Lithuanian agriculture has its own specific characteristics – structure, climate conditions, and farm sizes. All of this must be heard in European-level discussions.
My goal is not only to transmit information from Europe but also to actively shape positions that reflect the reality of Lithuanian young farmers. It is a two-way process: dialogue with Brussels and continuous feedback within Lithuania.
What results do you expect from this work in the near future?
In the short term, the priority is to establish myself as a reliable and constructive social partner. In the long term, I hope that the voice of young farmers will be heard and meaningfully included in decision-making.
If, in a few years, we see that CAP measures better reflect the needs of young farmers and that the fruit and vegetable sector becomes more stable and competitive, it will mean we are moving in the right direction.
What does this news mean for the Lithuanian young farmers’ community?
It is a signal that Lithuanian young farmers are visible and valued in Europe. I encourage young people not to be afraid to engage in organizational activities, because it is through such involvement that real opportunities arise to influence policy. This appointment is not only my personal achievement, but also an achievement of the entire community.