CHICAGO, Ill. — Food Tank (http://foodtank.com) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) announced a new collaboration to help cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders. The organizations will jointly produce research, articles, opinion editorials, columns, newsletters, social media campaigns, and webinars during the rest of this year.

Half the farmers in the United States are 55 years of age or older, while in sub-Saharan Africa, the average age of farmers is around 60. Food Tank and IFAD (www.ifad.org) will collaborate to raise awareness about issues faced by youth in agriculture, as well as engage the global community in dialogue around challenges such as access to markets, education, and resources for beginning farmers.

Young people are the farmers and food system leaders of tomorrow. But according to IFAD, they are increasingly abandoning agriculture and rural areas in search of better livelihoods in cities or abroad. There is a pressing need to create opportunities for youth in agriculture.

"We have an opportunity to encourage young farmers, scientists, agronomists, business leaders, development workers and funders to view the food system as an opportunity to improve health and nutrition, raise incomes and protect the environment," said Danielle Nierenberg, president of Food Tank.