Only 6% of European farmers are younger than 35 years, compared to 56% who are older than 55 years. With an ageing agricultural community, generational renewal is increasingly crucial and needs to be accompanied by adapted policies. As Commissioner Hogan told the conference: "You [European young farmers] are the future of our EU agri-food sector and therefore your opinions are of great interest to me when it comes to finding new and better ways to make farming more sustainable.
The Commission's agriculture and rural development department supports young farmers through the common agricultural policy. For example, more than 177 000 young farmers will benefit until 2020 of the start-up aid for young farmers being put in place under the current Rural Development policy. Furthermore, more than 280 000 benefit from the additional support under the direct payments, corresponding to a 25% top-up for a maximum period of five years.
...
Read the full news via the link below.
Via ec.europa.eu
