New European Commission strategy outlines measures to support generational renewal in agriculture
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Prosperous rural areas
- Agriculture and food
- Youth
The new strategy – launched by the European Commission on 21 October – sets out a roadmap to revitalise farming, strengthen rural areas and ensure a new generation of farmers can thrive. It acknowledges that young farmers face specific challenges that need to be addressed with specific actions at all levels of governance – EU, national and regional – and across policies.
© European Union, 2025
Links between generational renewal and vibrant rural areas
To achieve its overall aim of supporting and preparing the next generation of EU farmers, the strategy identifies five key levers for action: access to land; finance; skills; fair living standards in rural areas; and support for succession. Each lever is addressed through targeted flagship initiatives, including the one focused on promoting good living conditions in rural areas while supporting local development and the active involvement of youth and women.
The strategy recognises that the future of farming relies on strong, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas. To attract and retain young people, rural regions must offer vibrant communities, good infrastructure, accessible services, quality education and training, and diverse employment opportunities, enabling the ‘right to stay’ and in line with the EU’s rural vision.
Strategy implementation
The strategy is designed to be implemented at multiple interconnected levels: through the current and future CAP, complementary EU policies, EU country-led actions in areas such as land access, taxation, education, and pensions, and initiatives by stakeholders. Overcoming these barriers requires strong national and regional engagement to ensure an effective impact.
The Commission proposes that all Member States establish their own generational renewal strategy for agriculture by 2028 as part of their national and regional partnership plans, combining actions under EU agricultural policy, national rural policies, as well as fiscal and social frameworks. The Commission calls on Member States to tailor measures to their specific needs, acknowledging the diverse agricultural systems, succession and taxation laws, and rural realities across Europe.