Farming today is more than many people imagine. It combines innovation, environmental stewardship, entrepreneurship while continuing to play an essential role in society by producing the food we rely on every day.
Farmers analyse data, manage natural resources, adapt to changing climates, and build resilient businesses. Their work brings together technology, knowledge, and a wide range of skills. For many, farming is not just a profession, but a way of life to shape food systems and sustain rural communities across Europe.
As farming evolves, so do the opportunities and the challenges for those who want to enter the profession. Supporting a new generation of farmers means recognising both how much the role has changed, and how important it is for Europe’s future.
A path that is changing
Starting a farm is not always straightforward.
Access to land, finance, and knowledge can make it difficult to take the first step. These challenges are recognised across Europe and addressing them is essential to enabling a new generation of farmers to emerge and succeed.
How Europe is supporting the next generation
Across the European Union, actions are being strengthened to support generational renewal in agriculture and help new and young farmers get started and build viable futures.
These actions combine financial support, training, and structural measures to make it easier for new farmers to get started and succeed.
Support focuses on where it matters most at the key moments of starting and building a farm:
Together, these actions aim to make farming more accessible, viable, and resilient for the next generation.
Thinking about becoming a farmer?
Starting something new often raises questions. Here are some of the most common ones:
Do I need to come from a farming background?
Not necessarily. Many new farmers today are starting from different backgrounds, building their own path into agriculture.
What makes it difficult to get started?
Access to land, finance, and the right skills can be challenging. These are well-recognised barriers and a key focus of support across Europe.
Is there support to help me get started?
Yes. The common agricultural policy (CAP) already provides important support for young farmers across Europe, and this is being strengthened further through new EU and national measures. Together, these help new and young farmers access funding, build skills, receive advice, and find opportunities, including when it comes to land and investment.
Where can I learn more?
You can explore the new Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture, which will support new farmers across Europe, and see how generational renewal measures are being implemented in different Member States.
A new generation already at work
Across Europe, young farmers and rural entrepreneurs are shaping the future of agriculture through innovation, sustainability, and new business models.
Their experiences show that there is no single path into farming but many ways to build a viable and meaningful project.
Meet Michele Russo, a young farmer regenerating land through agroecology in inner Sicily: “Agriculture is a dialogue with the place”.
Meet Arthur and Larissa Preston, farmers at Swainstown Farm in Ireland, growing fresh produce, raising livestock, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
From a small village in Slovenia to Brussels, Anja Fortuna is dedicated to ensuring that young people in rural areas have a say in European policymaking.
