The European Commission has opened the door for farm succession and retirement schemes to be funded in the next CAP.

It is considering pushing member states to better tackle the problem of generational renewal in farming by requiring each EU country to come with its own strategy for young farmers in the next CAP.

This strategy would have to take account of the “specific national context” of the age structure of Irish farming and explain how it sits with the “long-term sustainability and attractiveness” of the farming sector.

The draft proposals want a ‘starter pack for young farmers’ to include support for setting up – which are especially targeted at young farmers starting small farms – as well as higher rates of grant aid for young farmers for on-farm investment.

Member states could also have to come up with measures to facilitate “intergenerational co-operation” through farm succession initiatives, support for farm relief services to improve the work-life balance of farmers and ensure the next generation has access to advisory services.

The Commission wants measures to be made available through a 'single point of access' for supports and scheme applications for young farmers.

The Commission also wants young farmer supports to link up with other non-CAP initiatives that provide supports, such as those for business start-ups or improving businesses’ access to finance.