Exploring solutions for generational renewal in rural Europe

The event, ‘Ensuring the Right to Stay for Young Farmers and Rural Youth’, held on 11 March 2026 in Brussels, explored solutions for generational renewal in rural Europe, including how the EU’s strategy for generational renewal in agriculture can be turned into concrete actions at national level in National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs).  

It emphasised that supporting young farmers and rural youth is inseparable from broader rural development. While much attention focused on farm-level issues, participants stressed the importance of rural services and vibrant communities to make rural life truly attractive. Collaboration between policymakers, youth organisations and rural communities can help young people stay in rural areas and actively shape their future. In particular, a comprehensive and coordinated policy approach is needed. 

Challenges and priorities for generational renewal 

Participants shared knowledge and experiences on key challenges facing young farmers and rural youth, contributing insights on access to land and credit, farm succession, skills development and innovation, on making rural life a real option, and mechanisms for meaningful participation of young people in policymaking. 

The EU aims to increase the share of young farmers from 12% to 24% by 2040. But, as Maria Gafo and Alba Barrutieta from the Social Sustainability Unit of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development highlighted, young farmers face barriers to credit, limited transparency in land markets and inadequate pension schemes that prolong older farmers’ activity. Lack of services, schools, healthcare and broadband infrastructure further discourages rural engagement.  

The EU strategy for generational renewal proposes actions to address these issues at EU, national, regional and stakeholder levels. These include the need for Member States to develop their own national generational renewal strategies tailored to their specific contexts; a strong call on Member States to double current efforts by dedicating around 6% of their total common agricultural policy expenditure to generational renewal; a starter pack  combining start-up aid, investment instruments and advisory support; and the establishment of a European Land Observatory by 2027. Actions promoting knowledge, innovation and inclusion, such as Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs and the new Women in Farming Platform, were also discussed.  

Youth perspectives on rural life and policy co-creation 

Ketrin Kastehein of Rural Youth Europe noted that generational renewal requires giving young people a voice in shaping their future. Beyond farming, challenges such as social isolation, housing, mobility, connectivity and limited public services must be addressed to create vibrant rural communities.  

Lucas Rodriguez from EPA! - Rural Youth of Spain stressed a community-first approach, emphasising diversity, intergenerational connections and the importance of cultural activities. Shared activities such as culture, sports and communal projects foster ownership and strengthen rural life, creating sustainable communities where young people actively participate in decision-making. 

Practical recommendations from policy labs  

The event’s youth-led policy labs produced a variety of recommendations to support young farmers and strengthen rural youth retention and engagement across multiple areas.  

In terms of access to land and credit, participants highlighted the need for fair land pricing, priority systems for young farmers, flexible loan schemes, and centralised entry points for funding and advisory services, alongside integrating agricultural knowledge into general education. To support intergenerational farm succession, they proposed matchmaking mechanisms between retiring and new farmers; holistic legal, financial, technical and psychological support; extended income support; and recognition of gender equality and care work.  

For skills and innovation, participants emphasised valuing traditional knowledge, fostering mentorships and practical exchanges, developing incubator programmes and offering cross-sectoral entrepreneurial training. Making rural life a viable and attractive option was another key focus, with recommendations to improve digital infrastructure, mobility, housing and access to services, as well as implementing youth participation mechanisms, farm relief services, welcome offices and initiatives that promote positive narratives about rural living.  

Finally, in positioning young people as active policy co-designers, participants stressed the importance of civic education, strengthening youth networks and creating structured co-design mechanisms, including ‘youth tests’ to ensure that young people are actively involved in drafting and amending policies that affect them. 

Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on young people and join the Community Group on youth in rural areas to connect and exchange with peers.