EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan proposed introducing a lump sum payment to older farmers who transfer their holdings to young farmers as a measure to improve the age profile of farmers in the EU.

In his speech to members of the CEJA EU Young Farmers Group, he first said that the crucial importance of young farmers and renewal of generations was clearly indicated as a key objective of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union (CAP).

“I promised that, as a former young farmer, I will make one of my main priorities so that common renewal and young farmers are as high as possible on the EU agenda,” the European Commissioner said.

According to Commissioner Hogan, young farmers will benefit from a wide range of tools, thanks to a combination of mandatory and voluntary aspects under the new CAP. At least 2% of the national direct payments package should be devoted to generational renewal. Costs today are only 0.8%.

This amount should be allocated either in the form of additional income support and / or one-time grants. "You can see that with this financial indicator we can more than double our efforts to support the renewal of generations," said Phil Hogan.

Reserves for payments will be used as a priority by young farmers and farmers starting their agricultural activities. The maximum amount of assistance available for organizing young farmers and enterprises starting a rural business will be increased to 100,000 euros.

Commissioner Hogan said that if it is easier for young farmers to enter the sector through such direct means, it is hoped that the total share of young farmers will increase.