The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must prioritise young farmers by dedicating 10% of its funding to investment in generational renewal, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said.
MEP Walsh is the European Parliament’s lead negotiator for Generational Renewal in Agriculture and recently submitted amendments to the CAP for the 2028 – 2034 period. The amendments call for ringfenced 10% funding for generational renewal and secure pension schemes for those at the end of their careers, rather than a blanket cut in direct payments.
MEP Walsh has also proposed a clear definition of an active farmer, alongside a package of supports to be included in national Young Farmer Starter Packs.
MEP Maria Walsh, a full member of the Agriculture Committee, said:
“As the European Parliament’s lead negotiator on generational renewal, my top priority is ensuring the next CAP delivers for young farmers. While we face an uphill battle with ongoing threats to the CAP budget, if we fail to support the next generation, the future of our farms and food production is at risk.
“Building on my Report on Generational Renewal published in May, I have specifically called for a minimum of 10% of the CAP budget to be ringfenced for a range of supports under national Young Farmer Starter Packs.
“The Young Farmer Starter Packs should include three mandatory measures. First and foremost, young farmers should receive increased area-based income supports – payments which should not be subject to capping. Secondly, they should receive a higher level of EU investment to help finance their businesses. And finally, the Starter Packs should include the €300,000 installation payment to aid young farmers in setting up their operations.
“Additional optional measures that should also be eligible for funding under the 10% CAP allocation include support for rural business start-ups, farm relief services and access to young farmer training programmes.
“To ensure these supports reach those who need them most, income payments must be only paid to active farmers. This includes small-scale farmers, part-time farmers and family farms. It should not include investment funds, real estate companies, airports, railway operators, public authorities or any entity that is not actually involved in farming.
“The new CAP must also tackle the barriers to entry for young farmers, including access to land, finance, knowledge and training. Other challenges which must also be addressed include gender inequalities and pension schemes for older farmers.
“If we are to truly tackle the crisis of generational renewal in agriculture, our focus must be on supporting those looking to leave the sector as much as those trying to enter. Without secure and dignified retirement options for older farmers, access to land will continue to be one of the greatest challenges facing the next generation.
“That is why I have called for the introduction of incentives, rather than penalties, to help with gradual retirement and greater cooperation between experienced farmers and young farmers with innovative ideas. A core priority of mine in this new CAP is to ensure that older farmers can retire with dignity and without losing basic income support. I do not agree with the Commission’s initial proposal to introduce a blanket cut in direct payments for retired farmers. Instead, I think we need to focus on finding the middle ground, with supports to help both generations.
“Negotiations on the new CAP will now continue, with the end result determining the future of Irish agriculture and the livelihoods of our farmers into the next decade. The battle ahead of me and other colleagues is clear, and not to be underestimated, but I will continue fighting for the future of our agricultural sector and of rural Ireland. ”