On Wednesday 28 October 2026, the round table “Young Farmers – Drivers of Rural Development” (“Mladi poljoprivrednici – nositelji razvoja ruralnih područja”) was held at the “Drago Britvić” Cultural Centre (Centar za kulturu „Drago Britvić”) in Pitomača, dedicated to the position of young people in agriculture, opportunities for rural development and the challenges of generational renewal in the agricultural sector.
Second- and third-year students of the professional undergraduate study programme in Entrepreneurship and first- and second-year students of the professional undergraduate study programme in Rural Tourism Management took part in the event as part of a field trip, accompanied by Virovitica University of Applied Sciences teaching staff Damir Ribić, PhD, professor of professional studies, and Rikard Bakan, PhD, professor of professional studies.
Damir Ribić, PhD, took part in a panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges of developing agriculture and rural areas, which considered topics related to entrepreneurship, the position of young farmers and the creation of conditions for them to stay and develop professionally in rural areas.
During the event, the students had the opportunity to learn about current challenges in the agricultural sector, examples of good practice and the possibilities of using available support and development programmes. Through the presentations and discussion, they gained additional insight into the importance of entrepreneurial initiatives, sustainable development and linking different economic activities in rural areas.
Taking part in this event was a valuable opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with practical examples and to gain a better understanding of the role of young people, entrepreneurship and agriculture in the economic and social development of rural communities.
