Family farms are disappearing fast: our research shows how young generations can successfully take them over

While some may think that family farms are a thing of the past, they are in fact the dominant business model in Europe. In 2020, they accounted for just over 9 in 10 of the EU’s 9.1 million farms.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), family farming plays a key role in making our food and farming systems more inclusive, sustainable, resilient and efficient. As stewards of landscapes, wildlife, communities and cultural heritage, family farmers take social and emotional considerations into account in their decisions in a way that large, profit-oriented agribusinesses do not. So how can we best not only keep them alive, but also help them thrive?

Our recent research provides some clues. In particular, it shows that while policymakers often focus on relieving young people of the obstacles they may face in taking over the family business, such as rising land prices, red tape and professional hardships, the relationships between the two generations are just as to be important. if not more.

Growing challenges

The family farming model is facing a crisis. Between 2020 and 2010, the EU saw the number of farms decrease by around 3 million. The vast majority of victims were family owned.

Compared to the past, the transfer of family farms has become more complicated due to structural and social challenges. The work is seen as demanding, but hardly pays. In 2019, farmers reported spending an average of 55 hours per week in their primary job, compared to 37 hours for the average worker. While some young people passionately want to continue the family farm, many prefer to keep their professional and private lives separate. Our society’s tendency to denigrate the farming world – what the French call “agribashing” – doesn’t help either.

The European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) also creates its own problems. In a complex landscape, where the agricultural sectors of European countries vary significantly depending on economic, social and environmental factors, the policy plays a crucial role in trying to harmonize Member States’ policies and support farmers in areas such as food production and land management. and stewardship. But the CAP is under fire for its grueling bureaucratic processes and long waiting times, which prevent many from benefiting from the subsidies.

By awarding subsidies proportional to the size of farms, it is also accused of favoring large farms over small and medium-sized ones. Because family farms are on average much smaller (11.3 hectares of agricultural land in 2020) than non-family farms (102.2 ha), they bear a large share of the burden.

Such frustrations are increasingly reaching boiling point. This winter, farmers across Europe took to the streets to protest red tape and call for CAP reforms to make the subsidy system more transparent and accessible to those who need it most.

Making an impact

Despite these challenges, younger generations are showing enthusiasm for agriculture, regardless of whether they come from a farming family or not. As shown by the results of a survey on the intention of agricultural engineering students at the Institut Polytechnique UniLaSalle to pursue a career as an entrepreneur in agriculture, presented during a UniLaSalle seminar in October 2021, the desire for “stimulating work” drives ‘ that takes care of the environment many to the countryside. .

For example, as part of a study on gender issues in agricultural entrepreneurship in France, a 34-year-old farmer said she felt:

“A quite strong personal revelation that I want to take action (…) because the agricultural sector is crucial for society, for the world, for the role it must play in tackling the challenges of climate change.”

Marianne Gamet, member of the third generation of a family of champagne producers, believes that “the new generation can make a difference”. She is firmly against selling shares in the company to outside investors, and is proud of a product passed down from previous generations.

To make agriculture sustainable, many choose to diversify their activities and turn to alternatives such as methane gas production, photovoltaics, agricultural tourism or even educational performances. In our research we came across examples such as: – Cyprus-based oil company Oleastro, which was the first to produce organic olive oil in the country, expanding its customer base through an olive oil museum, festivities and workshops; – The Golden Donkeys Farm, which develops dairy products in Cyprus, including facial creams, liqueurs, treats and chocolates, and organizes farm donkey rides and craft workshops; – Les Délices du Jardin d’Ainval in France, which focuses on growing “forgotten” vegetables and organizes farm and educational visits for students and other participants.

Last but not least, the entrepreneurial spirit associated with family businesses is a great attraction for many young people.

Retire at the right time

For the transition within the family to be successful, a healthy relationship between pastor and successors is crucial. This requires each party to understand the other’s expectations and effectively adjust roles and decision-making. Previous generations must also be able to support the phase after the transfer and withdraw from the farm at the right time. They must prepare for the transition by creating the right conditions for the young generation to take over, in particular by switching to agricultural practices that appeal to them.

These adjustments include the organization of work and, if necessary, hiring workers to improve conditions on the farm by reducing tedious work and restrictions. By delegating technical tasks, farmers can free up time for the strategic and sustainable aspects of the business. Older people also have an interest in reducing physically demanding work, demonstrating that agriculture requires a broad set of skills compatible with many career options.

Marius Voeltzel, a 32-year-old producer of legumes in the Eure region of France and creator of the Pousses de là brand, illustrates this dynamic:

“My mother’s message to me and my brother has always been clear. If we want to set up our own business, we can take over part of the farm, but only if we have a project in mind that wants to contribute something new. This approach is stimulating for me, because it forces me to think about how I can make my own distinctive contribution to the farming business. My mother has also supported me and provided the necessary tools and physical assistance from the moment we arrived on the farm.”

Such words are evidence that policymakers must pay attention to valuing the entrepreneurial, organizational, and psychological dimensions of family farms as much as administrative and financial support. In the long term, they are the lifeblood of our European agriculture.