Young farmers face barriers like land access and credit across Bulgaria, Italy, Greece, and France, despite growing interest in modern agriculture.
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Young farmers face significant barriers in Bulgarian agriculture, including lack of labor, difficult access to farmland, and unfavorable credit terms, according to Petar Petrov of the Association of Young Farmers in Bulgaria. While young people are entering the sector, they represent a small percentage of the workforce compared to older generations. Grain production dominates but requires large, consolidated plots that young farmers cannot afford or access, leading them toward fruits, vegetables, or livestock, which present further challenges like daily watering needs and labor shortages. Capital access is another major hurdle; for instance, Petrov noted insufficient loan amounts for serious investment. In contrast, Italy faces land cost as the primary barrier to generational succession, despite various incentives. Meanwhile, in Greece, young farmers struggle with unsustainable practices and debt, prompting calls for broader EU support beyond mere subsidies. Successful modern farming models, such as those seen in Croatia, integrate production with processing and tourism. France is addressing demographic decline through policies like the Generation Renewal Pact, offering financial incentives and focusing on ecological and technological innovation to make agriculture an intellectually appealing career choice for younger generations.
