The European Commission has presented a strategy entirely dedicated to generational renewal in agriculture. The objective is clear: to increase the proportion of farmers under 40 years of age from approximately 12% today to 24% by 2040 (source: Commission Representation in France).
Source: france.representation.ec.europa.eu
What the strategy entails
To achieve this, Brussels recommends that member states allocate at least 6% (compared to 3% today) of their agricultural spending to installation measures and asks them to develop national strategies by 2028. The roadmap notably includes an "installation package" in the next CAP, including a lump sum payment of up to €300,000 .
"We want every young person who dreams of going into agriculture to see a real path to follow, with fewer obstacles and stronger support," argued Christophe Hansen , European Commissioner for Agriculture.
Why this renewal is crucial
European agriculture is aging faster than other sectors: the average age of farmers in the EU is 57 , and only 12% are under 40. The challenge is simultaneously food-related , strategic , and territorial : it is about ensuring long-term food security, the resilience of the rural fabric, and the sustainability of agricultural landscapes.
Supporting the installation by limiting initial debt
MyMarguerit is among the innovative financing tools recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty : the program allows young farmers to access their production facilities without taking out a loan to build up their herd . This reduces the farmer's initial debt, preserves their cash flow , and allows them to focus their resources on buildings, equipment, and working capital .
In practice, this approach facilitates entry into the profession, including outside the family framework , and accelerates the ramp-up of the operation once the project is launched.
Discover this investment that supports French agriculture
The figures in France:
Source: agriculture.gouv.fr
To go further
Text from the Commission (FR) : strategy for generational renewal in agriculture .
