Europe’s Plan to Revitalize Its Farming Future: The EU Push for a New Generation of Farmers

Across Europe, farms are facing a quiet but serious challenge — the rapid aging of their workforce. The average European farmer is now 57 years old, and fewer than one in eight are under 40. This imbalance threatens not only the continuity of food production but also the resilience and sustainability of rural communities across the continent.

To address this, the European Commission has unveiled a new “Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture”, designed to make farming more accessible, profitable, and appealing to younger Europeans. The plan sets an ambitious goal: to double the share of young farmers in the EU by 2040, securing a stronger and more innovative agricultural sector for decades to come.

A Roadmap for Renewal

The EU’s strategy proposes a range of coordinated actions aimed at helping young people start and sustain careers in agriculture — a field often hindered by high costs, limited access to land, and administrative barriers.

Under this roadmap, EU Member States will be encouraged to dedicate at least 6% of their agricultural budgets to measures that foster generational change. These investments can include funding for training, financial support programs, and incentives for farm succession. By 2028, every Member State is expected to present a national strategy outlining how they plan to attract and support young farmers.

The initiative rests on five central priorities:

1. Access to land: A new European Land Observatory will help increase transparency in land availability, reduce speculation, and facilitate farm transfers.

2. Financial access: In cooperation with the European Investment Bank, new financial instruments such as low-interest loans and guarantee systems will be developed for young farmers.

3. Education and skills: Programs like Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs will open opportunities to learn innovative agricultural practices abroad.

4. Rural quality of life: The EU aims to make rural regions more livable and inclusive by promoting community development and youth participation.

5. Succession support: Through initiatives such as co-financed Farm Replacement Services, older farmers will have better options to transition ownership smoothly to the next generation.

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Additionally, the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will include a mandatory starter package of up to €300,000 for young entrants, helping them establish and modernize their farms.

Why It Matters

Agriculture is more than a profession — it’s the foundation of Europe’s food security, landscape preservation, and rural economy. However, the combination of an aging workforce, limited land mobility, and rural depopulation puts that foundation at risk. Without decisive action, the EU could face a shortage of active farmers and a decline in agricultural innovation.

The new generational renewal strategy takes a long-term view: it aims not only to attract young farmers but also to create viable, future-ready rural economies. By connecting funding, education, and social support, the EU hopes to ensure that young people see farming as a stable and rewarding career choice — not a last resort.

The European Union’s push for generational renewal in agriculture is a crucial investment in Europe’s future. It combines financial tools, education, and rural development to empower young farmers and encourage a sustainable, innovative agri-food sector.

At BMD International Trading Corp, we recognize the importance of initiatives that strengthen global food systems and prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders. Supporting policies that make farming accessible and resilient ensures that the world’s food supply remains secure — and that the agricultural landscape continues to thrive for years to come.