What is the Generational Renewal Strategy, and why is the EU introducing it now?
The Generational Renewal Strategy sets out the Commissions comprehensive plan to attract and support a new generation of farmers, ensuring the long-term sustainability of European agriculture. It reflects the Commissions commitment to the future of farming by making rural life more attractive and addressing structural barriers such as access to land, finance, and training and pension schemes for exiting farmers, which make renewal uniquely difficult compared to other sectors.
The EU is launching the Strategy in response to an urgent demographic challenge: one-third of farmers are already over 65, and retirements are accelerating faster than replacements, threatening food security and rural economies. Agriculture is the only major EU sector where more people are above pension age than below 40, reflecting a uniquely unbalanced age structure.
Without timely action, the social and territorial fabric of rural areas risk being further weakened. The strategy therefore establishes a coordinated EU framework linking Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) instruments with national and EU-level measures to foster renewal, strengthen rural vitality, and secure Europes food supply for the future.
How will the strategy make it easier for young people to start a career in farming?
The strategy aims to facilitate the entry of young people into farming by addressing a wide range of structural barriers, including, among others, access to land, finance, skills, innovation, services, and succession opportunities. These are some of many interconnected challenges that discourage new entrants. The strategy promotes a more enabling environment through coordinated action across EU, national, and regional levels, combining measures on taxation, pensions, education, and rural services with targeted support for new farmers. Beyond financial aspects, it focuses on making farming more attractive and viable by improving living conditions in rural areas, promoting innovation and digitalisation, and ensuring that young people see farming as a modern, rewarding and future-oriented career.
How is this strategy linked to the future Common Agricultural Policy after 2027?
The strategy is closely linked to the future CAP after 2027, serving as one of its main delivery tools for generational renewal. It provides the overall direction and coordination framework, while the CAP translates this into concrete interventions and financial commitments at national and regional level. Through the national strategies for generational renewal integrated into the future national and regional partnership (NRP) plans, Member States will define specific measures supporting young and new farmers, including the ‘Starter Pack and actions improving access to land, finance, and knowledge.
The Commission also recommends that Member States, especially those lagging behind, invest at least 6% of the amounts within the NRP fund ringfenced for agriculture to measures promoting generational renewal, with the option to mobilise additional resources. The strategy also reinforces CAP recommendations and steering mechanisms to ensure that national actions contribute effectively to a younger and more resilient farming sector across the EU.
How did you take into account the various best practices from different Member States?
The Commission conducted a study, which aimed to assess generational renewal strategies across Member States in order to identify successful strategies that can be promoted as good practices to be replicated across Member States. The strategy draws directly from such best practices from across Member States, which are highlighted as examples throughout the text. These experiences helped identify what works in addressing barriers such as land access, finance, skills, services, and succession. They informed the design of the proposed actions under the new CAP and other EU policies.
What specific support will young farmers receive to access land and financing?
The strategy aims at making land and finance more accessible for young farmers by tackling structural barriers and promoting fairer and more transparent land markets. Affordable credit, guarantees, and lower transaction costs will be promoted through national financial institutions, while land banks and matching services will help connect retiring farmers with new entrants. The strategy calls on Member States to prioritise young farmers in land allocation, create incentives for early succession, and curb speculation. The forthcoming European Land Observatory will strengthen transparency and support evidence-based reforms.
How will the European Commission ensure that the strategy delivers real results in every Member State?
The Commission will ensure that the strategy delivers real results in every Member State through coordinated implementation, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms. Its objectives will be embedded in the future CAP and the NRP Plans, supported by specific targets, indicators, and regular reporting. Progress will be followed through the CAP governance framework, structured dialogue with Member States, and, where relevant, European Semester recommendations. The Commission will also promote peer learning, best practice exchange, as well as enhanced and accessible communication and dissemination efforts.
In what ways does the Strategy ensure fairness between generations and help older farmers plan for succession and retirement?
The strategy promotes fairness between generations by supporting both new entrants and older farmers in managing smoother, more secure transitions. It encourages Member States to strengthen pension schemes and introduce incentives for early and voluntary retirement, allowing older farmers to step back with dignity and financial stability. It also promotes advisory services and training on succession planning, inheritance, and legal or financial arrangements to facilitate timely farm transfers. The objective of the strategy is that older farmers are not left behind while creating space and opportunities for younger generations to take over viable farms.
How exactly will the new Generational Renewal Strategy differ from existing CAP measures already supporting young farmers?
The strategy goes well beyond the limits and scope of the current CAP. It provides a coordinated framework involving several policies and all governance levels, the European Commission, Member States, and stakeholders, to address the structural, social, and economic conditions affecting generational renewal. While the CAP remains a key instrument, the Strategy extends action to areas such as pensions, education, land policy, and rural services. It links EU and national initiatives, strengthens coherence across policies, and promotes a shared political commitment across the EU.
How will the Commission ensure that access to land measures respect national competences while still being effective at EU level?
The Commission fully respects national competences over land while ensuring that EU action adds value and coherence. The strategy does not harmonise land law: it supports Member States through evidence, coordination, and policy guidance. Tools like the European Land Observatory will improve transparency and data sharing, helping countries design fair and effective land measures suited to their own legal and territorial realities. Through dialogue, the European Semester, and voluntary cooperation, reforms can prevent speculation, promote fair transfers, and make land more accessible to young farmers, ensuring results while respecting national sovereignty.
What kind of financial instruments or guarantees are being considered to help young farmers secure credit and investment?
The strategy promotes a broad set of financial instruments and guarantees to make credit more accessible and affordable for young farmers. It encourages the creation of dedicated loan and guarantee funds with lower interest rates, reduced collateral requirements, grace periods, and longer repayment terms. Cooperation with the European Investment Bank Group and InvestEU will strengthen access to capital through tailored products, including guarantee and equity instruments. Member States are invited to work with national promotional banks to design similar schemes, while advisory services and technical assistance will help farmers prepare sound business plans and access funding opportunities. Together, these tools aim to ease the financial pressure on young farmers and support sustainable investment in the long term.
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