Brussels, 19/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - “Which Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2013 for ensuring the renewal of generations in agriculture?” This is the question that will be asked at a conference organised by the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) and the French Young Farmers in Annecy (France) from Saturday 20 to Tuesday 23 September. The CEJA, which was founded in Rome in 1958, now has 27 member organisations in 21 EU countries representing collectively the interests of almost one million young farmers. French Agriculture Minister Michel Barnier will deliver a speech on Sunday 21 September on the “key objectives of the CAP after 2013”. The conference has been organised to coincide with the informal meting of European Agriculture Ministers (see EUROPE 9743).
According to the CEJA, only 8% of Europe's farmers are aged under 35, and more than 50% are aged over 55. CEJA President Giacomo Ballari said in Brussels on Thursday 18 September that, for the period after 2013, his organisation was calling inter alia for: - improved aid for young farmers setting up (including loans at preferential rates); - appropriate market instruments (crisis and risk management, including in the event of price fluctuation). At the end of the Annecy conference, the CEJA and the Young Farmers will approve a statement on the CAP after 2013. (L.C./transl.rt)