MEP Maria Walsh has warned that work-life balance in farming must be improved to make careers in the sector more attractive to younger generations.
The MEP presented her report on generational renewal in front of the European Parliament’s agriculture committee on Tuesday 2 June, which also included a call for 10% of the new CAP budget to be guaranteed for young farmers.
In her report, Walsh called on the Commission to develop an EU mental health action plan for agriculture with sector-specific measures.
She is also urging member states to introduce and strengthen farm relief services covering sickness, annual and parental leave and participation in training.
It was highlighted that young farmers face many challenges, making the career an unviable option for many - for example, long working hours, financial insecurity, market volatility, climate events, administrative burdens and social isolation.
Women in agriculture
The MEP stressed that generational renewal must also address persistent gender inequalities in agriculture.
She called for more concrete targeted support for young female farmers and new entrants, as well as better access to land, finance and succession opportunities, women-focused advisory and mentoring programmes and stronger representation in agricultural organisations and decision-making bodies.
The report highlights that just 26% of EU farmers under the age of 40 are female.
“Supporting women in agriculture is also a core priority of mine. In this report, I stress that generational renewal must address persistent gender inequalities in agriculture,” Walsh said, speaking in front of the committee.
"I have proposed the creation of women-focused advisory and mentoring programmes, as well as stronger representation for women in agricultural organisations and decision-making bodies,” she said.
LEADER
Increased, ring-fenced LEADER funding in the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework was also included as a motion in the report.
The vital role of the LEADER programme in fostering community-led, rural innovation and diversification was highlighted by Walsh.
She also raised the need for additional support for the diversification of rural economies, through the bio-based economy, agro tourism and rural crafts to create more employment opportunities and to strengthen rural communities.
SHARING OPTIONS