60. Generational renewal: central to Europe’s farming future

The average age of a farmer in the European Union is almost 60. The task of generational renewal – ensuring younger farmers take up the profession to ensure continuity – is therefore among the most urgent priorities of the Common Agricultural Policy.

It’s not only a question of maintaining food production, important though that is. It’s also about caring for Europe’s unique landscapes and nurturing its rural heritage. Farming is deeply intertwined with Europe’s history, culture and society, and every time a farmer leaves the land, we lose a piece of our identity as Europeans.

For episode 60 of Food for Europe, we have travelled to Ireland to discover more about the challenges and opportunities of generational renewal in a country whose economy depends on high-value, high-quality food products for export. We meet Irish Young Farmer of the Year 2024, Chris Cahill, who has entered into a farm partnership with an older farmer, Tony McCormack.

Tony’s lack of succession options led him to consider a partnership arrangement, and it’s working well – with Tony providing the land and experience, and Chris bringing technical excellence and innovation to the farm’s expanding operations.

We also talk to Patrick Brady from the Land Mobility Service and its work to promote generational renewal through mutually beneficial arrangements that ensure young farmers have the resources they need to move forward. And we meet Ruth Fennell, an adviser with Teagasc, a farm advisory service that is driving new initiatives that deliver solutions to support young farmers and their dreams of making a living from the land.