Location: World Food Forum – Rome, Italy 16th October 2025.
The Young Fishermen Network UK (YFN) play a critical role in global food security; 10 of their Cornwall members account for 18% of Cornwall’s total landings in 2023, that’s almost a 5th of the diverse menu our seafood lovers enjoy each year.
Fishermen are a vital part of the country’s socio-economic fabric, however with the average age of a UK fisherman being 55, the government must champion the next generation. The first-ever manifesto created by young fishermen, will provide the government with strategic aims on how, and the Global Stage at this year’s World Food Forum will host the manifesto launch.
The forum aims to gather global youth perspectives on the future of Agrifood systems, where young seafood producers, change-makers, and global leaders share ideas and actions for youth empowerment.
Hosted by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on World Food Day, this international gathering highlights seafood’s critical role in food security. It is a unique opportunity to gather youth perspectives, identify priorities, and will ensure young voices are at the forefront in policy and institutional frameworks.
How do we retain young seafood producers if the future fails to inspire them?
Our question anchors the heart of our manifesto, which sets out four clear asks for a resilient future:
10 of the young fishermen in our network land 3474.98 tonnes of seafood in one given year, spread over 37 species.
Looking at our Sardine fishery in particular, 2 of our young fishermen land 3250 tonnes in a given year. In 2023, Cornwall landed 8400 tonnes of Sardines, meaning our 2 young fishermen landed 38.69% of this!
With more new entrants recruited, guided by accessible training opportunities and help-to-buy boat schemes, young fishermen could play an even larger role in global food security.
Created by UK young fishermen, and signed by Members of Parliament, DEFRA, and professional seafood chefs, the YFN manifesto will drive change to ensure fishing remains a viable and inspiring career for young people.
Matilda Phillips, YFN Coordinator: “Invest in youth, invest in food security.”
As the FAO reminds us, seafood is central to global food security. On World Food Day, the voices of young fishermen will be heard in shaping the future of youth empowerment and seafood systems worldwide.
