Young Farmers Need Structural Solutions, Not Symbolic Measures

We have submitted MaYA’s contribution to the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) consultation on “Generational Renewal in Agriculture”, following a request for input from the Maltese delegation within the CoR NAT Commission, coordinated through the Local Councils’ Association.

In our submission, we highlighted the structural realities affecting young farmers in Malta, including access to agricultural land, fragmented holdings, water security, administrative burdens, market pressures, and the long-term viability of farming within a small island context. We also outlined a number of national and EU-level priorities which we believe are essential to ensure that generational renewal in agriculture is supported through practical, targeted, and structurally effective measures.

Strateġija għat-tiġdid ġenerazzjonali fil-biedja.pdf

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Strategy for generational renewal in agriculture.pdf

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Read the salient points below:

Main barriers to the entry of young people into agriculture

At MaYA, we believe the primary barrier in Malta is access to land under secure, long-term conditions. Finance is not the starting problem - structural dysfunction is. Young people face fragmented holdings, short leases, high land prices driven by speculative pressure, and administrative hurdles involving planning and land regularisation.

Given our local situation, a young farmer can secure funding but still fail if they cannot obtain permits, improve a structure, or access reliable irrigation water. Income instability, harsh competition from imports, rising input costs, climate stress, and excessive bureaucracy further discourage entry.

In Malta, generational renewal is constrained more by system fragility than by lack of ambition or funding.

Effective local or national instruments that support young farmers

At MaYA, we recognise that Malta has introduced useful measures such as start-up schemes for under-40s and recent succession tax exemptions on inherited agricultural land. These are positive steps.

However, effectiveness depends on implementation. Instruments that work best are those that:

• Provide long-term land security

• Improve water access and infrastructure

• Reduce administrative friction

• Strengthen marketing and demand for local produce

Targeted, well-monitored support is more effective than broad funding envelopes.

Priorities for the future CAP post-2027

Given Malta’s island realities, our priorities are:

• Stronger safeguards on land governance and land mobility

• Fairer treatment of small and fragmented systems under area-based payments

• Greater flexibility for small-scale, climate-vulnerable agriculture

• Real support for income stability, not only investment support

• Linking generational renewal with structural reform obligations at Member State level

At MaYA, we believe generational renewal funding must be conditional on Member States addressing structural barriers.

Legislative reforms that could facilitate farm transfer

We believe Malta urgently needs:

• Transparent, enforceable long-term agricultural leases

• Simplified procedures for intergenerational transfer

• Clear inheritance and land-use rules that prevent fragmentation

• Enforcement against misuse of agricultural land

Farm transfer must be predictable, affordable, and legally secure.

Mechanisms to support retiring farmers and enable smooth transition

At MaYA, we support mechanisms that provide:

• Adequate pension security independent of CAP payments

• Structured succession planning advisory services

• Gradual handover models (joint management periods)

• Incentives for early transfer rather than delayed retirement

Retiring farmers must feel secure before they can release land.

Measures necessary to ensure long-term sustainability of new entrants

Given Malta’s constraints, sustainability requires:

• Stable land tenure

• Reliable irrigation and climate adaptation support

• Access to affordable housing in rural areas

• Digital connectivity

• Reduced administrative burden

• A stronger domestic market that values local produce

Without viable living conditions, young farmers will exit as quickly as they enter.

Role of local and regional authorities in national renewal plans

Local authorities must play a proactive role in:

• Protecting agricultural land from speculative pressure

• Coordinating infrastructure and water systems

• Supporting short supply chains and local markets

• Ensuring that planning policies align with agricultural viability

Renewal cannot be delivered by agricultural ministries alone; it requires cross-government coordination.

Measures to increase participation of young women in agriculture

At MaYA, we believe women’s participation requires:

• Equal access to land and credit

• Recognition of women’s legal status in farm ownership and management

• Childcare and rural service support

• Visibility and leadership platforms for women in agriculture

Cultural perception and institutional bias must be addressed alongside financial measures.

Role of cooperatives and producer organisations

Given Malta’s small-scale structure, cooperatives are essential for:

• Market access

• Input cost reduction

• Shared infrastructure

• Stronger bargaining power

However, Malta lacks effective market organisation. Strengthening producer organisations is critical to stabilising income and improving competitiveness.