They account for 12% of farm managers in the European Union, but just 7.9% in Italy, below the EU average. These are farmers under 40 heading agricultural businesses, according to the latest Istat figures for 2023. Their numbers remain too low to ensure generational renewal in agriculture, where almost one in two farm managers is now over 65. Yet, in Italy alone, businesses run by young farmers generate 15% of the sector’s value. They produce higher incomes and are often more focused on innovation and investment.
But how can more young people be attracted to agriculture? With the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) approaching, this question was explored at EIMA, the international agricultural machinery exhibition currently taking place in Bologna, during the conference “The CAP and Young Farmers: Opportunities, Tools and Prospects”, organised by Edagricole.
The European Commission has an ambitious goal: to double the number of farmers under 40 by 2040. However, Paolo De Castro, President of Nomisma, warned that the path towards the new CAP will be complicated by geopolitical tensions and the lack of agreement among all Member States. Its entry into force could therefore be delayed by at least a year. “There is, however, a strong focus on young people,” said De Castro, “and there is scope to increase funding for young farmers setting up for the first time and for youth entrepreneurship.”
Today, the main barriers to establishing agricultural businesses run by young people are difficulties in accessing land and credit. To address these challenges, ISMEA, the Institute of Services for the Agricultural and Food Market, has introduced measures to support young entrepreneurs. “It is in our sector’s interest to have young people working in agriculture because their businesses are more competitive,” said Giorgio Venceslai, Head of ISMEA’s Business Services Directorate.
These measures include Generazione Terra, through which the institute finances agricultural land purchases with loans repayable over 30 years. This support is combined with a first-time establishment grant to reduce the burden of repayments. Più Impresa, meanwhile, supports business development plans for young and female entrepreneurs, providing funding of up to €1.5 million, 35% of which is in the form of a non-repayable grant. Finally, guarantee funds help young farmers access bank credit.