CNJ - young Farmers and Rural Development

About CNJ - young Farmers and Rural Development

CNJ is the Portuguese confederation representing young farmers and rural development interests. Founded in 2000, it is a non-profit organization with nationwide scope that works to promote the development of rural areas and the activities connected to them.

It positions itself as an advocate and facilitator for young farmers, rural organizations, and other stakeholders in the countryside. Through representation, technical support, training, project development, and networking, CNJ aims to strengthen the social, economic, and institutional conditions of rural communities in Portugal and beyond.

The organization is based in Lisbon and also maintains a delegation in Brussels, reflecting its role in both national and European policy and advocacy spaces.

Core Values

• Rural development: CNJ’s mission is centered on promoting the development and valorization of rural areas and the activities associated with them.
• Sustainability: The organization explicitly supports sustainable agriculture, biological production, integrated production, biodiversity protection, and environmentally respectful practices.
• Inclusion and equality: CNJ promotes equal opportunities and gender equality in rural areas, with attention to young people, women, older people, and populations at risk of social exclusion.
• Healthy living: It advocates for healthy food, healthy lifestyles, and the protection of health and safety in rural environments.
• Cooperation and association: CNJ encourages associativism, cooperation, mutual support, and the creation of local social and business initiatives.

Unique Aspects

• National confederation status: CNJ is one of the five national confederations recognized by Portugal’s Ministry of Agriculture, giving it formal standing in sector representation.
• European presence: In addition to its Lisbon base, CNJ has a delegation in Brussels, supporting its engagement with EU institutions and policy debates.
• Broad network membership: The organization participates in several national and international bodies, including the National Youth Council, the Rural Network, PEPAC monitoring structures, ALDA, and IFOAM.
• Wide rural mandate: Unlike a narrow producer association, CNJ’s remit extends beyond farming to rural tourism, culture, traditions, gastronomy, history, social economy, and community development.
• Practical on-the-ground services: CNJ combines advocacy with operational support such as beneficiary registration, parcel system assistance, and project preparation for farmers and rural actors.