About Us
The Young Friends of the Countryside (YFCS, also referred to as the Young Friends) is a dedicated subdivision of the Friends of the Countryside (FCS) that aims to promote interconnectivity between young people aged 18 to 35 across Europe who have a longstanding personal or professional interest in rural matters, entrepreneurship,
land ownership and management of the countryside.Together they believe that it is only by creating
an association of rural decision makers, entrepreneurs, future and existing landowners -
that we will be able to promote, develop and defend our rural interests.
The principal purpose of the FCS is to support the work of the
European Landowners Organisation (ELO).
the network
Exclusive insights into rural family businesses.
Networking opportunities with like-minded members who share the same rural interests.
Access to learning and education on associated rural and agricultural matters.
Opportunities for entrepreneurship and project funding.
A platform for a united voice regarding rural and environmental issues and policies at an international level.
Access to employment opportunities and work experience in the rural sector and associated areas.

events

The Young Friends of the countryside meet annually twice across different locations of Europe.
At these events members have the opportunity to learn about interesting projects across Europe.
Please log in to view upcoming events and for more information.
LOG INfamigro award
The Famigro Award is granted annually to a young European entrepreneur who is making a special contribution to the rural economy, community and environment through an innovative project that is at least 2 years in the running.
Sponsored by Karl Grotenfelt, the Famigro Award supports projects that provide answers to current challenges of the rural sector.
The award includes prize money of €5,000, an article in the widely published Countryside Magazine and the opportunity to join the Young Friends of the Countryside at their General Assembly.
INTERESTED? The deadline to apply for the 2024 edition is February 1. For further information please get in touch with us at info@yfcs.eu and/or check out the European Landowners' Page.
CONTACT US
our team
HEINRICH VON CROY
Committee Co-Chairman
Anna Zahedi Lamarche
Committee Co-Chairwoman
JOANA SOTTO MAYOR
COMMITTEE MEMBER
HEINRICH XXIX REUSS
Committee Member
LEONOR CESAR DAS NEVES
Committee Member
STEPHANIE BRUUN DE NEERGAARD
Committee Member
ANTOINE LAMARCHE
Committee Member
Claire van Voorst tot Voorst
Committee Member
young Friends In Numbers
120
Members
20
Countries
30+
Start-ups
get in touch

MARIE CHRISTINE SCHÖNBORN
PRESIDENT

HEINRICH VON CROY
VICE PRESIDENT

ANNA ZAHEDI
VICE PRESIDENT

ALBERTO HERMOSEL
SECRETARY GENERAL

ANTOINE DE THEUX
BOARD MEMBER

ANTOINE LAMARCHE
BOARD MEMBER

STEPHANIE BRUUN DE NEERGAARD
BOARD MEMBER

JOANA SCOTTO MAYOR
BOARD MEMBER

HEINRICH XXIX REUXX
BOARD MEMBER

JEAN D’ASPREMONT
BOARD MEMBER

LEONOR CESAR DAS NEVES
BOARD MEMBER