MEP Maria Walsh today presented her report on Generational Renewal in front of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, which included a call for 10% of the new CAP budget to be guaranteed for young farmers.
Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh is the Parliament’s lead negotiator on the report on Generational Renewal in Agriculture which sets out an ambitious plan to encourage young people to enter the agricultural sector over the coming decade.
The report calls for increased CAP funding for young farmers, easier access to land and expansion of land mobility schemes, better access to finance and banking supports, more ambitious support for female farmers and expansion of farm succession support across EU Member States.
Speaking in front of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, MEP Maria Walsh said:
“In Ireland, the average age of a farmer is 58 years old while only 7% of farmers are under the age of 35. These statistics boil down to one simple fact; fewer people are choosing farming as a profession every year. While this is deeply concerning for the sector, it is not surprising on a personal level.
“As a young farmer, I am all too aware of the challenges we face. Land and machinery are expensive, access to finance is difficult, basic infrastructure needs are not met and regular income is unpredictable.
“If we are serious about reversing this trend, we must match our ambitions with the necessary funding. That is why my report calls for at least 10% of the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget to be dedicated specifically to supporting young farmers. Not aspirational funding, not voluntary support, but a binding percentage of the next CAP.
“We must also tackle the two greatest barriers facing young farmers: access to land and access to finance. For many, the first challenge is simply getting started with the cost of land rising far beyond what a young farmer can afford in many areas. This is why my report calls for the rapid operationalisation of the EU Land Observatory and stronger national measures to facilitate access to farmland.
“Finance is equally important. Too often, young farmers with innovative, brilliant projects cannot secure the capital they need to turn their ideas into business. We therefore need tailored financial instruments, including low-interest loans and guarantees to help farmers navigate increasing market and climate volatility.
“Generational renewal is not only about supporting those entering the sector, it is also about caring for those who have spent a lifetime tending to our land. Across Europe and Ireland, many older farmers would like to transfer their farms but face inadequate retirement options, legal complexity or uncertainty about the future. As a result, succession is delayed and opportunities for younger farmers are lost.
“Farmers must be able to retire with dignity and financial security, and better advisory services are needed to support succession planning and farm transfers.
“Supporting women in agriculture is also a core priority of mine. In this report, I stress that generational renewal must address persistent gender inequalities in agriculture. I have proposed the creation of women-focused advisory and mentoring programmes as well as stronger representation for women in agricultural organisations and decision-making bodies.
“My main focus is now on ensuring that we see the report’s key points reflected in the upcoming CAP report which will set out the Agriculture Committee’s position on the future of the CAP for the period 2028-2034.”