Becoming a farmer today requires much more than technical know-how. It demands business skills, environmental awareness, digital literacy and resilience in a rapidly changing sector. For many new entrants, these challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when training, mentoring and advisory services are fragmented or difficult to access.
The EU Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculturerecognises that knowledge is a cornerstone of renewal. By supporting the development of stronger learning systems and access to tailored assistance, it aims to equip every new farmer with the skills needed to manage a modern, sustainable business and contribute to Europe’s future.
Why knowledge and skills matter
A well-trained and informed generation of farmers is essential for Europe’s food security, environmental goals and rural vitality. Yet access to training and advice remains uneven: while some regions offer strong advisory networks and mentoring schemes, others face shortages of qualified trainers or limited links between education and farming practice.
Without accessible, hands-on learning, newcomers risk entering the sector unprepared for the financial, regulatory or technological demands of farm management. Investing in people, as much as in land or machinery, is therefore key to keeping agriculture competitive and attractive to the next generation.
New learning models taking shape across Europe
The EU CAP Network’s Assessment of Generational Renewal Strategies across Member States (2025) has mapped national and regional initiatives across Europe that are already advancing innovative ways to strengthen learning, mentoring and knowledge exchange for farmers. Successful approaches include:
- Farm advisory and mentoring networks that connect new entrants with experienced farmers, combining professional coaching with peer-to-peer exchange.
- Integrated training systems that link education with on-farm practice, ensuring that new farmers gain both technical and business management experience.
- Schemes combining financial aid and advisory support to help new entrants design viable business plans and navigate early challenges.
- Collaborative knowledge platforms that bring together education, research and farming communities, making innovation accessible to all.
These examples show that when knowledge systems are well connected and farmer-centred, they become powerful engines of renewal and resilience.
A European strategy for lasting change
The EU Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture builds on analytical work and evidence gathered by the EU CAP Network across Member States to create a more coherent and inclusive learning environment for Europe’s farmers. The Strategy promotes a mix of modernised training systems, advisory support and international cooperation designed to strengthen knowledge sharing and lifelong learning:
- Strengthening Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) under the CAP post-2027 to deliver targeted training, advice and mentoring.
- Expanding the Pact for Skills – Agri-Food Partnership, improving upskilling and reskilling.
- Enhancing cooperation through the European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI) and Horizon Europe, accelerating the transfer of research and innovation to practice.
- Linking Erasmus+ Centres of Vocational Excellence and the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme to facilitate cross-border exchanges and practical experience.
- Promoting inclusivity through initiatives such as the Women in Farming Platform and ALMA for young people not in education, employment or training.
- Integrating the EU Young Farmers’ Starter Pack, which combines training, advisory and financial support for a comprehensive start in farming.
By combining these actions, the EU aims to make agricultural knowledge and training more accessible, relevant and future-oriented, ensuring that every young farmer can learn, adapt and thrive in an evolving sector.
For more information
Press release: Commission proposes measures to support generational renewal in agriculture to secure Europe’s food, farming and rural future
Communication: Strategy for generational renewal in agriculture (PDF)
Generational renewal in agriculture
CAP Network study on the best practices in Member States
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