This week in a special episode for EURACTIV’s Beyond the Byline podcast we explore the challenges and resilience of European farmers within the context of food chains and sustainable food production.We delve into the recent State of the Union address by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where she expressed gratitude to farmers and emphasised the shift towards sustainable agriculture.Discover how farmers and cooperatives are facing issues like generational renewal and administrative burdens while advocating for coordinated policies and funds to support sustainable farming.We asked Peeter Meedendorp, President of CEJA Young Farmers and Karl Bauer, Chairman of Copa Cogeca's Working Party on Rural Development, how farmers can maintain the balance between food security and nature protection, the importance of dialogue, and the evolving agricultural landscape in the EU.