[Digest] Generational change in agriculture – Comparative analysis of businesses run by young farmers

Presentation of the study “Generational change in agriculture: Comparative analysis of businesses run by young farmers in selected EU countries”

The study, commissioned by the AGRI Committee, was presented on 4 May 2026 by Mr Arndt Münch, researcher at ÖIR GmbH, Austrian Institute for Regional Studies.

The expert introduced the presentation describing Generational renewal dynamics in agriculture in the EU, highlighting the different situation in the different countries.

Then he focused on the main characteristics of businesses run by young farmers in a selected panel of Members states, Finland, Spain, Luxembourg and Poland, describing structural trends of the farming sector and analysing EU and national measures supporting generational renewal under the CAP 2023-2027.  

The expert also highlighted the role of integrated policy mixes and complementary national policies targeting financial liquidity, access to land and retirement.

The presentation prompted a lively exchange with the Members, who welcomed the study as a valuable and timely contribution for the preparation of the INI report on the Commission’s Communication on Generational renewal strategy, published last October.