AJAP – Associação dos Jovens Agricultores de Portugal
AJAP is a national association representing young farmers in Portugal, offering training, business support and advocacy for generational renewal in agriculture. It has been active for 43 years, running programmes on funding access, circular bioeconomy and rural entrepreneurship.
AJAP, the Associação dos Jovens Agricultores de Portugal, has represented young farmers for 43 years. Based in Lisbon, at Rua D. Pedro V 108, it works across the country to support generational renewal in agriculture and to help young people build viable farming businesses.
The association runs training courses, such as an online 50-hour course in agricultural business management, and organises technical seminars and events like the Rural Innovation Challenges competition. It also provides business support services, helping farmers apply for funding under bioeconomy and circular economy programmes, including recent calls in the Litoral Alentejano and other regions.
AJAP engages directly with municipalities and regional bodies. In September 2026, its director-general, Firmino Cordeiro, met with the Pinhel municipality to discuss generational renewal and support for young farmers in the region, where mountain wines, olives, almonds and honey are key products, several produced under organic certification. The association also takes part in sector debates, such as an October 2026 seminar in Ponte de Lima on whether it is worth investing in farming today, represented there by João Almeida, a member of its Consultivo Council and coordinator of Rural Move.
The association's work spans advocacy, training, funding support and international cooperation, including projects with AJAP Moçambique and FENAGRI. It positions itself as a resource for young farmers navigating financing, bureaucracy and market access in Portugal's agricultural sector.
Our Goal
AJAP works to support young farmers across Portugal, helping them start, grow and sustain viable agricultural businesses, and to encourage generational renewal in the rural sector.
Our Wishes
The association seeks more young people willing to take up farming and welcomes partnerships with municipalities, training bodies and rural development programmes to expand its reach.
