Castilla-La Mancha forum contributes to CoR opinion on generational renewal in agriculture

The event, held on 27 February in Valdepeñas, created a space for dialogue between policymakers, experts and rural stakeholders and contributed to an opinion being prepared by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on the European Commission’s (EC) strategy for generational renewal in agriculture. 

The EC’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development briefly presented key elements of the strategy at the event. The forum then explored the conditions needed to support generational renewal in the farming sector. Speakers highlighted the importance of a stable and predictable policy framework to reduce risks and encourage young people to enter agriculture. The role of cooperatives was also emphasised, as they help young farmers access markets, share knowledge and strengthen their position in the value chain. In addition, participants stressed that generational renewal depends on the attractiveness of rural areas, including access to housing and essential services, as well as smoother farm succession processes and simpler administrative procedures. 

The role of women in the future of rural areas and agriculture also came under the spotlight. Participants noted that women increasingly take on leadership roles in farming, rural businesses and entrepreneurship, but still face barriers in accessing decision-making positions. Improving access to services such as childcare, education, healthcare and mobility is essential to enable women to develop their careers and participate fully in rural economic and social life, participants said. They also pointed to the growing role of women in innovative businesses and entrepreneurial initiatives linked to rural economies. 

Another discussion focused on local initiatives’ role in supporting entrepreneurship and business succession in rural areas, highlighting the key contribution of LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs) and local authorities in fostering these efforts. One example presented from rural Guadalajara, Reto Relevo Generacional, connects young entrepreneurs – through a digital platform – with business owners who are willing to retire and transfer their viable businesses. The initiative helps maintain economic activity in rural communities while creating opportunities for younger generations. 

The Rural Pact Support Office participated in the forum to listen to stakeholders’ perspectives and share key messages emerging from the Rural Pact community. These included the importance of improving access to services in rural areas – such as housing, healthcare and mobility – as a key condition for young people to build their life projects in rural territories, as also highlighted in the European Commission’s strategy for generational renewal in agriculture. These topics are already being explored within the Rural Pact through Good Practice Webinars, participatory Policy Labs, Community Groups and through inspirational practices from across Europe. 

Castilla-La Mancha is among the Spanish regions most affected by demographic challenges in rural areas and ageing of the farming population. In response, the regional government has implemented a whole-of-government approach to rural development, combining policies on access to services, economic opportunities, infrastructure and support for entrepreneurship. This integrated territorial strategy has contributed to reversing depopulation trends in several rural areas. Recently, the region has also achieved significant results in generational renewal in farming, with almost half of new young farmers in Spain located in Castilla-La Mancha. These actions are part of the political commitments made by the regional government under the Rural Pact to contribute to the EU’s long-term vision for rural areas. 

Discover the latest Rural Pact resources on agriculture, women and young people.