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Generational renewal in agriculture

Agriculture and rural development

In 2025, the Commission committed to further promote generational renewal in the agricultural sector through a specific strategy. The initiative aims to address the demographic challenges facing the European Union's agricultural sector by attracting and supporting young and entrepreneurial farmers. It intends to ensure a sustainable, competitive, innovative, and diversified sector by tackling barriers such as limited access to land, credit, and rural services, and addressing societal perceptions of farming.

Links

Public consultation

ID: 14710

Lobbying Activity

36 responses

European Farmers Demand Safeguarded Budget for Generational Renewal

European farmers, 14 Jul 2025

The organization opposes merging agricultural funding into a single EU fund. They demand a dedicated, inflation-adjusted budget to ensure farming remains a viable career.
A protected, separate budget ensures stable subsidies and financial support for their members.
EU budget reformers lose the flexibility to reallocate funds away from traditional farming subsidies.

Eurogroup for Animals urges animal welfare-centered farming renewal

Eurogroup for Animals, 14 Jul 2025

The group wants renewal funding conditional on animal welfare outcomes. They recommend prioritizing organic systems and rejecting investments in cages and insect farming.
Linking renewal to welfare standards shifts significant agricultural subsidies toward animal protection.
Industrial livestock producers and the insect farming sector would lose access to renewal funding.

FoodDrinkEurope urges co-investment to attract young farmers

FoodDrinkEurope, 14 Jul 2025

The group supports the creation of a 'generational renewal toolbox' within the CAP. They advocate for an 'earmarked share of CAP resources' for young entrants. They also suggest 'co-investment schemes between producers and processors' to manage risks.
Supporting young farmers ensures long-term food security and competitiveness for manufacturing processors.
Established farmers might receive less funding if CAP resources are specifically earmarked.

German farmers urge increased funding for young agricultural entrepreneurs

Deutscher Bauernverband, 14 Jul 2025

The association advocates for a significant increase in the CAP budget for young farmers. They call for reduced bureaucracy and professional support for both family and non-family farm successions. Additionally, they emphasize the need for education and new income perspectives like the bioeconomy.
Increased subsidies and reduced regulatory burdens would improve the sector's long-term economic competitiveness.
Public authorities seeking to regulate land prices would be restricted by their opposition.

Organic Youth Demand Land Reform and Fairer CAP Funding

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements EU Regional Group, 14 Jul 2025

The network calls for a European Land Observatory and legislation to prioritize land for sustainable farming. They demand CAP subsidies be based on ecological services rather than land size, with mandatory budgets for youth. They also advocate for integrating organic practices into agricultural education and supporting entrepreneurs across value chains.
Reform would improve the competitive position and financial viability of young organic farmers.
Large corporate farms and land speculators would lose subsidies and face tougher regulations.

Coldiretti urges specific funding for young European farmers

Confederazione Nazionale Coldiretti, 14 Jul 2025

Coldiretti demands that the CAP remains a separate policy with dedicated resources. They prioritize under-40s and urge simplified access to land through tax incentives.
This would ensure financial support is exclusively reserved for professional, active farmers.
Senior entrepreneurs starting new farms would receive less priority for agricultural funding.

IFA demands EU-backed farm succession and credit schemes

Irish Farmers' Association, 1 Jul 2025

The IFA proposes a new EU-funded succession scheme to provide financial security for retiring farmers. They also request 20-year unsecured loans to help young people enter the industry.
These measures would lower financial risks and accelerate the transfer of farm assets.
Meat processors could face increased regulatory scrutiny and pressure to pay farmers more.

ECVC demands land reform to support young European farmers

European Coordination Via Campesina, 14 Jul 2025

The organization calls for a European Land Directive to guarantee long-term access for young people. They want a ban on buying agricultural products below production costs. They also demand capping subsidies to stop favoring large industrial structures.
Small-scale farmers would receive more funding by ending subsidies for large landowners.
Large agribusinesses and speculative investment funds would lose their dominant land access.

Danish Agriculture Council urges EU to relax state aid rules

Landbrug Fødevarer - Danish Agriculture and Food Council, 10 Jul 2025

DAFC requests revised state aid rules to increase financial support for young farmers. They propose mandatory uniform investment rates and tax exemptions for start-up aid. They also advocate for aid eligibility for alternative co-ownership models.
This would lower financial barriers for young people entering the expensive Danish farming sector.

CEJA Urges Standalone EU Budget and Land Access Reforms

CONSEIL EUROPEEN DES JEUNES AGRICULTEURS, 9 Jul 2025

CEJA requests thirty billion euros specifically earmarked for the next generation of farmers. They propose a new policy toolbox including farm transmission schemes and risk management tools. They also call for an EU Land Observatory to improve farmland data transparency.
Direct grants and support would reduce the financial burden of high-interest bank loans.
Non-active farmers face increased pressure to transfer land to the younger generation.

European Landowners urge focus on farm succession and profitability

European Landowners' Organization asbl, 14 Jul 2025

The ELO demands the strategy prioritizes profitability and entrepreneurship over simply increasing farmer numbers. They propose supporting family succession as the primary method for providing land access.
This approach secures the continuity of existing family businesses and protects private property rights.
New entrants without family ties face higher hurdles and less policy support for entry.

Spanish agri-food cooperatives urge EU to prioritize youth via collective action

Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España, 13 Jul 2025

They want the EU to reduce overwhelming bureaucracy that discourages young people from farming. They advocate for prioritizing young cooperative members in funding and extending financial support periods. The strategy should promote collective land management and cooperative business models for new farmers.
This would ensure the long-term viability of cooperatives by securing a new generation of members.
Large financial investors lose access to farmland as cooperatives prioritize transferring land to local youth.

German farm association urges support for agricultural cooperatives

Deutscher Raiffeisenverband e.V., 7 Jul 2025

The association promotes cooperatives to share responsibility and labor among multiple families. They demand founding grants and expanded funding specifically for young farming members. Policy must ensure these structures face no disadvantages regarding land and capital.
This approach helps their members reduce personal financial risk and workload.
External investors lose opportunities to acquire land as local cooperatives are prioritized.

Guarantee institutions urge EU to boost young farmers' financing

Association européenne du cautionnement, 14 Jul 2025

The AECM requests increasing the young farmer age limit to 48. They also propose raising the aid limit for new entrants to €70,000. Finally, they advocate for expanded use of guarantee-based financial instruments.
These changes would expand the market for guarantee-based lending products.
Land mobility schemes would harm speculators profiting from high agricultural prices.

Consultation response

Huis van de Nederlandse Provincies, 11 Jul 2025

The provinces of the Netherlands look forward to the proposal of the Generational Renewal Strategy. The Dutch provinces support the European Commissions ambition to build an attractive agricultural sector that guarantees a fair standard of living and creates new income opportunities. It is…

Consultation response

Asociación Agraria Jóvenes Agricultores, 14 Jul 2025

Desde ASAJA Joven (España) queremos trasladar nuestra visión sobre el relevo generacional en el sector agrario, un reto urgente que necesita soluciones reales. Incorporarse hoy a la agricultura es, para muchos jóvenes, un camino lleno de obstáculos: burocracia excesiva, normativas rígidas,…

Cia Agricoltori Italiani demands EU action for young farmers

Cia Agricoltori italiani, 14 Jul 2025

The organization calls for stronger measures to help young farmers access capital and investments. They also demand better rural services and a positive public image for the sector.
Enhanced support would increase farm profitability and secure the sector's long-term future.
Large landholders lose influence as new rules aim to prevent land concentration.

European veterinarians demand EU funding for vital rural services

Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, 10 Jul 2025

FVE requests treating veterinary services as public goods eligible for agricultural funding. They want workforce challenges integrated into the renewal strategy.
Proposed subsidies and grants would stabilize struggling rural veterinary practices' finances.
Livestock sectors face increased disease risks and economic decline without veterinarians.

German winegrowers urge long-term EU support for young farmers

Deutscher Weinbauverband e.V., 14 Jul 2025

The association calls for targeted instruments to strengthen land leasing and support active farm handovers. They demand a stable agricultural budget with longer cycles to match the 30-year investment periods in viticulture. Additionally, they seek better support for equity building and access to practical innovation.
These measures would provide financial stability and lower the entry barrier for new winemakers.
Non-agricultural investors and developers would face restrictions on land acquisition and repurposing.

INRAE urges EU strategy to include all agricultural workers

Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement, 14 Jul 2025

The strategy should encompass the entire agricultural workforce, including employees and migrants. It must also strengthen succession planning to support the entire farm transfer process.
Increased funding for applied research would help the institute develop localized farming solutions.
Older farmers may lose financial flexibility if forced to choose between pensions and subsidies.

Consultation response

EIT Food ivzw, 14 Jul 2025

EIT Food welcomes the forthcoming publication of the EUs Generational Renewal. The Strategy represents another step in the work of the new European Commission to address long-standing issues that the rural milieu suffers from. EIT Food is pleased to see that the Commission is requesting input from…

Consultation response

Euromontana, 13 Jul 2025

Agriculture is a mainstay of mountain areas. Yet our agricultural sectors are struggling to attract young people to take up or start farming activities. This is despite the fact that these jobs are tangible, essential to food security, and carry high societal and environmental value. Therefore,…

Consultation response

European LEADER Association for Rural Development, 11 Jul 2025

For this strategy to deliver sustainable results, the EC must adopt a broader, territorial approach: one that recognises that generational renewal in agriculture cannot succeed without generational renewal in rural areas as a whole. While targeted support for young farmers remains essential,…

Consultation response

Unión de Uniones de Agricultores y Ganaderos, 14 Jul 2025

Resumen técnico Comentarios de Unión de Uniones sobre la Estrategia Europea de Relevo Generacional (julio 2025) La Unión de Uniones de Agricultores y Ganaderos presenta sus aportaciones a la consulta pública sobre la futura Estrategia Europea de Relevo Generacional, destacando la necesidad de una…

Consultation response

Lietuvos žemės ūkio bendrovių asociacija, 14 Jul 2025

1. The definition of "farmer" covers both natural and legal persons in the CAP. 2. Furthermore, Article 39 TFEU mentions "persons engaged in agriculture", without any connection to farm or land ownership 3. However, the current CAP does not include measures to encourage young, contracted…

Consultation response

Association européenne des Institutions d'Aménagement Rural, 14 Jul 2025

L'Association Européenne des Institutions d'Aménagement Rural (AEIAR) et la FAO soutiennent pleinement la stratégie de la Commission européenne pour le renouvellement des générations agricoles. Elles prônent une approche globale intégrant tous les acteurs et niveaux de gestion. Un faible…

Consultation response

UNION DE PEQUEÑOS AGRICULTORES Y GANADEROS, 14 Jul 2025

The Unión de Pequeños Agricultores y Ganaderos (UPA) is the Spanish Farmers Organisation that represents and defends the interests of professionals farmers in Spain. UPA brings together the biggest farming group in Europe: family farms owned by small and medium sized farmers and stockbreeders.…

European Nursery Association demands CAP inclusion for young growers

EUROPEAN NURSERYSTOCK ASSOCIATION npo (ENA), 14 Jul 2025

ENA calls for nurseries to receive direct payments and equal funding under the CAP. They also urge for improved land access and specialized financial support for young entrepreneurs.
Inclusion in EU support schemes would provide nurseries with financial stability and growth opportunities.
Construction firms would face higher project costs due to mandatory spending on greenery.

Consultation response

MINHA TERRA - Federação Portuguesa de Associações de Desenvolvimento Local, 14 Jul 2025

Continuar a abordar a renovação geracional como uma questão sectorial agrícola é um erro. A renovação geracional não é apenas uma questão de sucessão no seio das famílias dos agricultores, trata-se de criar as condições para que os jovens em geral queiram e consigam viver e trabalhar nos…

Consultation response

Latvian Rural Forum, 14 Jul 2025

The Latvian Rural Forum (LRF) welcomes the European Commissions forthcoming Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture and its recognition that demographic decline threatens the long-term viability of Europes agri-food systems. In Latvia, where only 5 % of farm managers are under 40 and the…

Consultation response

RED ESPAÑOLA DE DESARROLLO RURAL, 14 Jul 2025

El relevo generacional es capital para el futuro del medio rural Este constituye el punto de inflexión para el futuro de las zonas rurales y es esencial para mantener unas zonas vibrantes, sostenibles y competitivas. A los que viven en las zonas despobladas hay que darles un incentivo adicional…

Consultation response

Associazione Italiana Coltivatori, 14 Jul 2025

Lagricoltura europea si confronta oggi con una sfida cruciale: assicurare un ricambio generazionale. Senza un intervento deciso e coordinato, il rischio è quello di compromettere la vitalità delle aree rurali, la resilienza del sistema agroalimentare e la trasmissione di saperi fondamentali per la…

Consultation response

CONFÉDÉRATION DE LIAISON INTERNATIONALE DE MARCHANDS DE MACHINES AGRICOLES ET DES RÉPARATEURS, 12 Jul 2025

CLIMMAR the international distributors network of the Agricultural Machinery and Equipment sector recognises the urgent demographic challenges facing the EUs agricultural sector. As an organisation embedded in the agricultural ecosystem, we see first-hand the consequences of an ageing workforce and…

Consultation response

European Network of Agricultural Social Protection Systems, 11 Jul 2025

About the European Network of Agricultural Social Protection Systems (ENASP) ENASP represents member organizations of five Member States of the EU Austria (SVS), Finland (MELA), France (MSA), Germany (SVLFG) and Poland (KRUS). These organizations cover the entire field of social security: health,…

Consultation response

Farmhouse and Artisan Cheese and dairy producers’ European network, 11 Jul 2025

The current CAP structure does not incentivise farm succession and new entrants in the small-scale systems enough. Despite the redistributive payments, the current CAP budget for young farmers is very small. To combat this, young farmers should get a higher payment per hectare. But more important,…

Consultation response

TERRAGORA, 8 Jul 2025

Notre constat de terrain : un monde rural fracturé mais encore debout. En tant que cabinet de conseil, daudit et de lobbying fondé dans et pour la ruralité, Terragora accompagne les acteurs des territoires , agriculteurs, chasseurs, collectivités, propriétaires, gestionnaires despaces naturels ,…