The introduction of a new early retirement scheme for farmers is vital if young farmers are to be able to gain access to land, according to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

The committee recommends the use of pillar II funding in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to fund the retirement scheme and provide an increase in startup aid for young farmers in European countries.

Tax measures

The rapporteurs overseeing the report criticised countries for not introducing more tax-friendly measures for young farmers.

“There is a need for greater coherence between CAP measures and national legal frameworks and taxation policies to facilitate the transfer of holdings and foster generational renewal,” John Bryan, co-rapporteur said.

The report confirmed its support for National Reserve and Young Farmer Scheme funding but added that the length of young farmer payments under CAP pillar I and II should be increased from five to seven years.

This would give young farmers two more years of funding.

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