The survey asked questions on topics of economic viability, animal health, on-farm investment, environmental protection and sustainability, rural lifestyle, family farm involvement and the availability of land and credit.

At the launch of the survey findings, Macra na Feirme national president James Healy highlighted the findings that over 50% of young farmers need access to land to develop their farm in an economically sustainable way. Speaking at the launch, Healy highlighted the Macra na Feirme-established Land Mobility Service as a successful and independent model that supports generational renewal. The Land Mobility Service has facilitated over 280 collaborations over the past three years between young and older farmers.

“This is an important survey to capture the sentiment of young farmers across the EU. From an Irish young farmer perspective, the survey reveals that 81% of Irish young farmers surveyed believe that practical measures are needed to safeguard the environment.

“It is not surprising to read within the survey findings, that 89% of Irish young farmers highlight the necessity of widespread fast broadband as an essential requirement to support a vibrant and sustainable lifestyle in rural areas. As Ireland’s young farmer and rural youth organisation, Macra na Feirme has consistently highlighted the importance of equal access to broadband as cities and towns. Over the past few years with advancements in technology, the lack of available and widespread rural broadband is now a distinct competitive disadvantage for rural young people operating their farming businesses.’’

Viable future

“Capturing young farmer sentiment of a viable future was an important part of the survey. Approximately 60% of young farmers across Europe think that a viable future is either ‘very likely’ or ‘somewhat likely’ within the agricultural sector. As a sector, we need to take a sector-wide approach to encouraging and supporting careers across the farming community. The constant negativity that exists relating to high costs, barriers to entry for young farmers, financial uncertainty and challenges associated with work-life balances are discouraging new entrants to the sector.”