Brussels, 31/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission issued a call for tender for research into young farmer exchange schemes on 27 July, following a request from the European Parliament. The research contract, for €1.5 million, will be issued by the end of the year, so the study can begin as soon as possible and issue its findings within two years.
The research to be commissioned will seek to identify problems facing young farmers in Europe. At the Libramont Agricultural Fair in Belgium this year, which attracted more than 200,000 people from 27 to 30 July, Gary Van Vinckenroye, chairman of the Belgian Young Farmers' Federation, told reporters that a less changeable Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was needed to tackle problems facing young people in the countryside. The research will examine in detail problems facing young farmers and determine whether exchange programmes might be part of the answer.
The research will draw up best practices and examples of existing exchange programmes within the EU27. Reform of the CAP relies on the idea that skills transfer should not focus solely on formal skills and training, but should also cover the genuine needs of country people. Farm visits and short-term exchange programmes for young farmers may help them get a wider view of things and encourage them to acquire new skills.
Research into the feasibility and benefits of exchange programmes will last for two years, starting from the day when the research contract is signed, possibly before the end of the year. The application deadline is 5 October 2012. The Commission has set aside up to €1.5 million for the research. (MD/transl.fl)