European agricultural succession and funding challenges

Agricultural sectors in Poland and Ireland are experiencing difficulties regarding farm succession and the long-term viability of the profession. In Poland, parliamentary discussions have identified intergenerational conflicts as a primary hurdle, where younger generations desire to adopt new technologies while older farmers are reluctant to relinquish control. To mitigate this, officials have proposed “bridge benefits” or pensions to incentivize the earlier transfer of holdings.

In Ireland, research indicates a significant trend of farmers exiting the industry, with approximately one-third planning to leave within five years. Drivers for this exodus include financial instability, environmental regulations, bureaucracy, and poor work-life balance.

On a broader scale, the future of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) faces uncertainty. Major political groups in the European Parliament are withholding support for the 2028–2034 budget, demanding binding guarantees to ensure that the anticipated €300 billion for agricultural support and crisis management is legally protected and reaches farmers.