More than 31% of all farms in the EU are run by farmers older than 65, whilst young farmers represent only 6% of European agricultural community. Reversing this trend is one of the toughest challenges for the main EU farming policy.
Generational renewal is, indeed, one of the post-2020 Common agriculture policy (CAP)’s nine objectives in the European Commission’s proposal presented on June 2018.
Income support but also measures facilitating access to land and land transfers are among the main young farmer’s demands.
Understanding their claims is particularly valuable, as all the hardships young farmers have to face today can give a sneak peek of what the future of agriculture will look like.
This Special Report is available in the following languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Croatian.
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‘Burdensome administration’ means young farmers are missing out on EU subsidies
Young farmers accessing land via non-conventional contracts are eligible for EU subsidies, according to the European Commission. But in practice, burdensome administrative constraints often outweighs any financial advantage, meaning that landowners are cashing in while young farmers are missing out.
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Profitability, land and passion for the countryside: the magic triangle of agriculture’s generational renewal
In Spain and across the European Union, more than 90% of farmers are close to the retirement age, meaning that the problem of generational renewal poses a serious problem. Finding a solution depends on the combination of a magical triangle. EURACTIV's partner EFE reports.
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Keeping young farmers in rural areas is the biggest challenge for Croatia
Generational renewal of Croatian agriculture is a slow process burdened with negative demographic trends, constant migration and a non-competitive market. EURACTIV Croatia reports.
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Italy’s young farmers: Networking to make revenues
The number of young people entering the agriculture sector is increasing, but there are many problems to be addressed. Networking is a good way to overcome them. EURACTIV's partner Agronotizie reports.
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’Rejuvenated and professionalised’, Alentejo wine sector wants to be known worldwide
The Alentejo wine sector, the market leader in Portugal, sells four in ten bottles on the Portuguese market. It has become professional and ‘rejuvenated’ in recent decades and aims to be recognised worldwide, a regional representative told EURACTIV's partner Lusa.
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Land speculation squeezes out young farmers in East Germany
In East Germany, young farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase land because significant investors are not acquiring land for agricultural purposes and because former GDR cooperatives are being privatised. EURACTIV Germany reports.
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France’s young farmers are struggling to establish themselves
Between the challenge of accessing land and the cost of transferring ownership of farms, young French farmers are struggling to establish themselves as farmers. The question is, will the next generation of farmers be able to take up the baton in France? EURACTIV France reports.
