The European Commission has set out a plan which it says will support young farmers and attract more people to farming.
The European Commission for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, has previously warned of a “demographic cliff” edge with 90 per cent of Europe’s farmers now aged over 40.
In its new “Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture”, the European Commission has set a target double the share of young farmers in the EU by 2040, with a goal of young and new farmers constituting about 24 percent of European farmers within the next 15 years.
Member states including Ireland will be encouraged to direct at least six percent of agricultural spending to “measures promoting generational renewal”.
The Irish government will be required to define “targeted support measures” it is taking and report back regularly on progress to the EU.
Across the EU, Commissioner Hansen wants to see the roll out of “starter packs” for young farmers helping them to get set up with the support of grants of up to €300,000 each.
“Our food security and the future of our rural communities depend on the next generation”, says Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food.
“We are making support for young and new farmers a political priority. We want every young person who dreams of farming to see a real path forward, with fewer obstacles and stronger support.
This is why we are, amongst others, asking every Member State to act with concrete national strategies and real investment. This is about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities to ensure farming remains a viable and attractive career choice.”