Call for Installation Aid to be obligatory across the EU
Installation Aid for young farmers should be obligatory for all EU member states, a statement made by CEJA president Joris Baecke at a reception held by MEP Mairead Mc Guinness for European young farmers in the EU Parliament in Brussels this week.
The European Council of Young Farmers president said we need mechanisms to encourage young people into farming, only 7% of farmers across Europe are under 35. Installation Aid is one of the mechanism that is successful in encouraging and assisting young farmers to establish in farming and its popularity within the EU was demonstrated by the increased ceiling for payment to €70,000 per installation of a young farmer under the CAP Health Check.
Mairead Mc Guinness said the age structure “presents a threat to the future of a vibrant and innovative farming and agriculture sector and it must be addressed,”
Mr Baecke also expressed specific concern that Ireland no longer implements an Installation Aid scheme, comments that were echoed by Macra’s Agricultural Affairs Chair Kieran McEvoy at the event.
Mr McEvoy welcomed the fact that specific supports for young farmers were contained in George Lyon report including access to credit for young farmers.
Mairead Mc Guinness also emphasised the important of supporting young farmers under the CAP budget and outlined the importance of Installation Aid. Finally, she warned, however, that agriculture policy cannot be left to Europe alone. “A national strategic plan for the future of agriculture is urgently needed,” she said
