ELO highlights succession in EU Generational Renewal Strategy

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to shape its Generational Renewal Strategy in agriculture. ELO fully supports this initiative, recognizing the need to create an attractive and competitive farming sector for young people.

In our submission, we underlined that economic viability is the cornerstone of sustainability. No amount of policy support will succeed unless farming offers a profitable and rewarding future. Within this context, we emphasized a key element often overlooked: farm succession.

Succession is not just a family matter – it is fundamental to ensuring access to land, preserving valuable knowledge, and maintaining long-term stewardship of rural landscapes. Evidence shows that farmers entering through succession are more resilient during economic or environmental stress, making this approach essential for structural continuity.

Beyond succession, our recommendations address critical barriers identified by the Commission, including access to skills, credit, and rural services. We call for targeted financial tools, stronger training opportunities, and policies that enable competitive, innovative farm businesses.