The European Parliament has adopted a report on support measures for young farmers. Although the report does not introduce new legislation, it forms the basis of the parliament position that the European Commission will take note of when it drafts its future report on this issue.

In 2005 farmers under the age of 35 in the UK represented 5.6 per cent of the total farming workforce - a decline compared to 10 per cent in 1995. The parliament report sets out a series of recommendations to encourage young people to go into farming and to stay in the sector, including loan subsidisation and increased start-up support.

Conservatives believe that the abolishing of milk quotas and production restrictions are a good start for freeing up young farmers, as these provide an extra level of difficulty for young people trying to get into the industry. Equally, the changing nature of the Common Agricultural Policy is imposing extra burdens on farmers, notably in meeting cross compliance regulations and should be radically reformed. Other major problems identified in the report include high installation costs, heavy debt, a lack of available holdings and insufficient training.

Neil Parish MEP, conservative spokesman on agriculture in the European Parliament and chairman of the committee on agriculture welcomed the adoption of the report, and called on the Commission to take note of the parliament’s proposals. He said: “Ask a young person what he or she wants to do when they grow up and far too few will say farming. We need to change that situation so that farming can be seen as a potential business where entrepreneurs can thrive financially and receive job satisfaction.

“We must scrap the system of quotas and restrictions, which stop farmers being able to get into the industry and instead look at support mechanisms, for example venture loan systems.

“I am delighted that the parliament has adopted this report. The Commission must now take note of our recommendations and free up the industry for young farmers.”

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