CONFÉDÉRATION DE LIAISON INTERNATIONALE DE MARCHANDS DE MACHINES AGRICOLES ET DES RÉPARATEURS
CLIMMAR
CLIMMAR is the European umbrella organisation representing several (currently 16) national (dealer) associations in the agricultural machinery and equipment sector.
ID: 813419819834-70
Lobbying Activity
Response to Generational renewal in agriculture
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 falling numbers of young farmers, as well as the barriers that put off the next generation from pursuing a career in farming. Modernisation as a Catalyst for Generational Renewal Young people are more likely to be drawn to professions that offer innovation, opportunity, and long-term prospects. Agricultural mechanisation and smart farming technologies can play a pivotal role in making farming more efficient and profitable, as well as appealing to young people. Examples include precision farming, robotics and data-driven crop management. These technologies transform the agricultural workplace for the next generation. Our perspective on the barriers and how to address them 1. Access to Land and Finance: Although machinery dealers are not directly involved in land policy or agricultural finance, we support the call for policy instruments that enable young farmers to invest in land and equipment. We urge the EU and its member states to ensure that funding programmes, especially those within the CAP, are tailored to include access to modern machinery as part of start-up packages for young farmers. It is estimated that around EUR 62 billion would be required to close the investment gap in the agricultural sector and deliver its digital, green and energy transitions. In addition, we recommend setting up risk insurance schemes for farmers to minimise their exposure to market volatility and climate-related losses. These issues disproportionately affect new entrants to the sector. 2. Access to Knowledge and Innovation: Our dealer networks are knowledge providers as well as suppliers. We provide training, demonstrations and after-sales support to help farmers integrate technology into their operations. To ensure young farmers receive hands-on exposure to the latest farming solutions, we propose closer cooperation between machinery dealers, agricultural colleges, and innovation hubs. EU-supported mentorship and apprenticeship programmes could be enhanced by including technology partners such as dealers of machinery. 3. Digital Infrastructure and Services: Modern machinery relies heavily on connectivity, remote diagnostics, and real-time data transmission. Poor digital infrastructure in rural areas is a direct barrier to the adoption of these technologies. We advocate for EU investment in rural broadband as a prerequisite for a modern and appealing farming sector. The digital transformation of agriculture must go hand-in-hand with rural connectivity. Conclusion Without a modern and future-ready farming workforce, Europe risks not only food insecurity and rural decline, but also losing its agricultural heritage. By embracing modern equipment, providing training and fostering collaboration, we can help ensure that farming remains an attractive profession for future generations.
Read full responseResponse to Greenhouse gas emissions savings methodology for low-carbon fuels
25 Oct 2024
AECDR welcomes the adoption of realistic standards in the European Commissions recently published Methodology to determine the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission savings of low-carbon fuels. As a long-standing advocate of technological neutrality, AECDR firmly supports a comprehensive approach to GHG reduction, particularly in the short and medium term, to reduce fossil fuel reliance as effectively as possible. The application of a Well-to-Wheel (W-t-W) methodology is essential for accurately calculating CO2 emissions and promoting diverse technologies that can contribute to decarbonizing the transport and mobility sectors. Using parameters from the "RED III" Directive alongside the "Counting Emission" Regulation methodology represents an important step forward, transcending the limited tailpipe-only CO2 calculation approach, even for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). This W-t-W approach is essential to ensure that a variety of solutions receive equitable support in our decarbonization efforts. Special attention should be directed toward biofuels and Bio-LNG, particularly for long-haul trucks and buses, as these solutions are capable of achieving net-zero emissions (under the W-t-W methodology) and play a critical role in logistics and tourism. Other biofuels also warrant attention for their significant potential to advance decarbonization within a true W-t-W perspective, while e-fuels show promise, particularly in the passenger car sector. In conclusion, our strategic objective is to ensure the regulatory framework equates low-carbon fuels with electric and hydrogen technologies, aligning timing and functional integration to support a balanced, technology-inclusive pathway for the ecological and technological transition of transport.
Read full responseResponse to Revision of the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation
20 Nov 2020
please see the attached file
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