Young farmers could see an increase in their basic entitlement from a 25% to a 50% top-up to their basic payment in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Members of the European Parliament (MEP) passed the draft resolution on Wednesday 29 May.

In addition, they’ve proposed to extend the five-year period that young farmers could avail of the aid, and increase the overall funding available from above the current 2% of national direct payments.

Just 5% of farmers in Ireland are under the age of 35, while more than half of farm holders are aged over 55, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office.

Accessing finance

MEPs have also proposed that access to finance for young farmers should improve to help to reduce situations where older farmers remain farming unproductive enterprises just to receive CAP subsidies, which blocks land for new entrants.

Member states should step in to facilitate land mobility, and give new entrants and young farmers priority access to farmland.

They’ve also suggested the development of national land banks and maps of unused and available land for young farmers.

Improved training

Young farmers should be encouraged to use innovative practices such as precision agriculture and conservation systems.

MEPs have also highlighted the need for an Erasmus-type programme for vocational training for young farmers to help them to improve new business and technology skills.

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