EU agriculture ministers are to meet in Sofia on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 June for their traditional half-yearly informal Council. On their agenda is an official discussion (5 June) on generational renewal. The European Commission’s recent proposals on the future CAP and its budget are likely to dominate behind-the-scene discussions (see related article).
The official theme chosen by the Bulgarian presidency for the informal meeting of farm ministers is that of generational renewal in the context of CAP post-2020. In addition, there will be the inevitable discussions on the budget for which the Commission is proposing a substantial reduction.
During their formal exchange of views, on Tuesday 5 June, ministers will be invited to answer three questions: - To what extent do the current EU measures aimed at generational renewal contribute to attract and retain young farmers in the agricultural sector? – Which initiatives implemented at national level have proven their capacity to involve more young people in the sector? – What should be improved in the CAP post-2020, in the context of the new delivery model, to increase the effectiveness of the measures and stimulate the process of generational renewal in the European Union?
Access to land, capital and training. In a document prepared for the occasion, the Bulgarian presidency identifies three reasons explaining the difficulties experienced by young farmers starting up on a farming venture.
First of all, access to land: some 60% of young farmers in the EU encounter problems for purchasing or renting land, mainly due to the high price and limited availability of land.
Then there is access to funds or capital: all too often, the lack of land or equipment means that young farmers lack guarantees for contracting loans and this directly affects their competitiveness. Also, 35% of young farmers in the EU report problems with access to subsidies and credits due to over-complicated procedures.
The last obstacle is access to specialised education and improving professional qualifications: about 20% of young farmers in the EU28 member states report difficulties in accessing specialised training. In addition, the lack of information on the market situation reduces their ability to respond in a timely and adequate manner to market trends (see EUROPE 12029). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)