Agroaldea
The agriculture ministers of the European Union advocate offering young farmers from the Twenty-eight an exchange program similar to Erasmus, to promote innovation in the sector.
The idea is part of some conclusions adopted in an Agriculture Council, with the aim of strengthening support policies for young farmers and reversing the aging problem in the European countryside.
The approved text says that in order to “facilitate the transfer of knowledge and innovation and the exchange of information and professional experiences in the EU, It could be useful to propose programs similar to the Erasmus project, that young producers could enjoy for a short period, with the support of national and European rural networks”.
To do this, invites the European Commission to “develop guidelines to establish this type of exchange of experiences, in the context of rural networks and national rural development programs”.
The conclusions make it clear that generational renewal in agriculture is essential for the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of agriculture.
For this renewal it is necessary, underline the text, provide support for investments and access to credit, as well as business advice and training.
[quote]Currently only the 7,5% of farmers have less than 35 years, while more than 30% has more than 65 years.[/quote]
Among other measures, The EC and the European Investment Bank are invited (AT) to put in place “all available tools” to facilitate favorable support conditions for young farmers.
The conclusions say, In addition, that should be possible for countries, on a voluntary basis, provide loans to young producers at zero interest for the acquisition of land, when certain conditions are met.
However, the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan, expressed doubts about the effectiveness of this possible measure and indicated that it is concerned that its introduction could have an unwanted impact from the point of view of inflation and encourage speculation in the price of land.