Debate: Generational renewal in the EU farms of the future
Date: THURSDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2023
Speaker: Janusz Wojciechowski
Language: EN

It is a fact that the farming population in Europe is ageing. The average age of a farm manager is 57 years old, and the number of young farmers has been declining over time. The European Union has a shortage of young farmers, representing an important stake for guaranteeing generational renewal and food security. We need young farmers to ensure the future of sustainable agriculture and to keep rural areas alive. However, being a young farmer nowadays is not easy. They face many challenges: access to land, access to credit, low profitability, etc. Also, living with their families can be difficult for young farmers in rural and remote areas with limited access to essential services, such as water, telecommunications, transport, upskilling facilities and digital technologies, as well as to public services, such as health, education, childcare, culture, etc. It is important today to attract and to support young farmers eager to have their own farm. The sustainability of agriculture and food production relies on young, motivated and well-trained people finding living in rural areas attractive, remaining in those rural areas and establishing commercially viable farms for long term. Supporting the next generation of European farmers not only enhances the competitive advantages of European agriculture, but it also helps secure Europe’s food supplies for the years to come. Young farmers are likely to be open to innovation, change and new technologies and, most importantly, they care about the sustainability of their business. I am pleased to see that the conclusion of the report – Generational Renewal in the European Union of Union Farms of the Future – are in line with the policy priorities on generational renewal in the common agricultural policy 2023-2027. The interventions designed by Member States in their CAP strategic plans address the challenges outlined in the report, so we are on the right track. Generational renewal is a high priority for the common agricultural policy. The new CAP provides for several interventions specifically for young farmers, to be tailored to the national conditions by the Member States in their strategic plans. Member States have to dedicate a minimum amount to this objective, corresponding to 3% of their national direct payments envelope, and decide how to use the funding. This support may be granted and enhance income support, start-up aid for new young farmers or investment support. I would like to highlight some important figures. A total of EUR 8.5 billion of public expenditure has been planned to help young farmers setting up, investing and maintaining their business in their first years of activity. In the 2023-2027 period, a total of 377 000 new young farmers are expected to be established as farmers in full capacity. Member States have developed in their CAP strategic plans a specific strategy for the youngsters in agriculture combining EU and national funds. We equally agree with the conclusion of the European Parliament that there is a need to put more efforts into encouraging the participation on women in farming. Regarding access to land – identified in the report as one of the main challenges – the CAP also contains provisions to help young farmers access land, bearing in mind that land market regulation is a national prerogative. The European Union funds, including from CAP and cohesion policy, also provide support for rural development interventions, which are not directly linked to generational renewal but contribute to the provision of opportunities and services for the rural population, which are of great benefit for young farmers and their families. Those interventions include, for example, developing infrastructures and basic services in and around villages and developing local economy and business in rural areas, including economic diversification. We also encourage young farmers to make the most of the opportunities offered by the available networking initiatives, such as the EU CAP network or the LEADER. Beyond the common agricultural policy, it is necessary to put in place a robust intersectional policy approach to address generational renewal, contributing to closing the gaps between rural areas and cities. The Commission is fully committed to ensure that rural development and rural areas remain high on the European Union agenda. Two years ago, the Commission adopted the long-term vision for the European Union’s rural areas, through which we want to move towards stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas by 2040. We are now well equipped to spell out policies, development strategies and public investments adapted to the needs, challenges, potentials and strengths of the European Union rural areas. I believe that generational renewal is a fundamental pillar for the future of agriculture and for the future of our rural areas. I look forward to hearing your views today.