MEPs on the European Parliament's agriculture committee have formally called for a set of new measures to boost generational renewal in farming.

The committee said that its demands for new policies would enable young and new farmers to build a viable future in farming.

Earlier today (Wednesday, November 4), the committee adopted a set of proposals to facilitate generational renewal in agriculture, with 44 votes in favour of the proposals, none against, and two abstentions.

The MEPs have called for a "dedicated financial commitment" and asked for 10% of the 2028-2034 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget to be spent exclusively on young farmers.

This 10% figure has been repeatedly cited as a demand for MEPs, and would be an increase compared to all other CAP proposals currently on the table from the European Commission and the member states.

The parliament committee's recommendations include tailored financial instruments, such as low-interest loans, alongside tools to protect young farmers from climate and market instability.

The MEPs also called for measures to ensure that rural territories have the essential services, infrastructures and living conditions needed to attract young farmers.

The MEPs also support the creation of an EU mental health action plan for agriculture, and the reinforcement of services to cover sickness, parental leave and training courses for farmers.

They also ask for action to address gender inequalities, noting that currently 26% of farmers under 40 are women.

Commenting on the committee's proposals, Irish MEP Maria Walsh (the leading MEP on the committee for this issue) said: "Across political lines, MEPs worked together on this report with one clear objective, to secure the future of European farming - a future that is contingent on attracting and supporting the next generation of farmers.

"We cannot expect young people to take up farming unless we give them the right tools, resources and opportunities to succeed," Walsh added.

"It is undoubtedly ambitious, but it is absolutely necessary. This commitment on paper must result in support on the ground, from improving access to land and finance to providing advisory services for farmers young and old," the Midlands North-West MEP said.

She also said that supporting women in agriculture has been one of her "key priorities" with the new proposals.

"I am pleased to see the inclusion of recommendations for dedicated mentoring and advisory programmes for women, alongside stronger representation for women in agricultural organisations and decision making," Walsh said.