In collaboration with RuralPod Media and Meet the Farmers podcast, Emergent Generation has today released a two-part podcast documentary about the future of food and farming to show anything is possible when young people are involved.

Emergent Generation: Young Voices in Farming and Food details how group members think and feel about the future, how they imagine it can be and what they are doing to realise their vision. 

The documentary comes at a time where the food system isn't working. Agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, nature is declining and despite producing enough food globally, hunger and diet-related illness are rising.

Meanwhile, England's farming workforce is ageing. Defra's 2025 figures showed 40% of farmers were over 65 years old, and only 15% under 45. 

But there is a positive story emerging of a growing number of young people determined and optimistic about creating a brighter future. Farmers, growers, advisors, chefs, students and policymakers among them, turning their passion for change into practice. 

Emergent Generation (Em Gen) reflects this growing momentum, with membership doubling in the last twelve months. It is a network of young people building a food system that nourishes people and planet.

"We want this podcast to show how young people are not just imagining a food system that nourishes people and the planet, but actively experimenting, collaborating and taking real steps to turn their passion into practice," said Becky Grove, Emergent Generation Co-Founder & Director. 

Part 1 examines the future they want, hearing from several who have left other sectors to follow their passions and join the food and farming industry. They want it to become a well-paid, popular career route, with a viable long-term path – not a "strange curiosity".

Their visions are bold and, by admission, sometimes idealistic, but not unrealistic according to those interviewed. Change they say is needed, "it has to happen."

Part 2 shows how change is happening. Not waiting for permission to act, the episode visits two farms where young people are already generating the transformation they want. With a clear vision to ensure their aspiration is supported by action, they are also determined to share their experiences believing advocacy is central to their success.

Underlining their resolve to share their work, Em Gen members received training to produce their own podcasts through funding from Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL); the hosts of Emergent Generation: Young Voices in Farming and Food a product of that training.

"By sharing the stories of Em Gen'rs working across rural and urban communities, we aim to inspire listeners, celebrate their creativity and show anyone can be part of the solution," continued Becky. "It's highlighting what's possible when young people have the tools, knowledge and supportive community to act." 

The podcast ends with a plea to decision makers to recognise the power of the 'youth voice', to open doors for those who are keen but don't have access to the industry and to allow farmers to farm "in a way the land understands."

Emergent Generation: Young Voices in Farming and Food is produced by RuralPod Media, in collaboration with Em Gen, and available on Meet the Farmers podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

For more information about Emergent Generation and its work, go to https://www.emergentgeneration.co.uk