The European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) has expressed concern that the Council of the European Union’s latest negotiating position on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027 falls short of the commitments needed to address the growing challenge of generational renewal in European agriculture.
The statement follows the Council’s agreement on 26 October 2026 on a partial general approach to the proposed CAP framework for 2028–2034. Although the agreement introduces several positive measures for young farmers, CEJA argues that stronger financial guarantees and binding commitments are necessary to translate political objectives into meaningful opportunities.
Positive Measures, but Questions Remain
The Council’s position maintains several important provisions aimed at supporting the next generation of agricultural producers. These include a mandatory definition of active farmers, continued support for young farmers establishing agricultural businesses, and the introduction of national generational renewal strategies.
The proposed framework also envisages a Young Farmers Starter Pack, intended to bring together financial assistance, investment opportunities, training, advisory services and other measures designed to facilitate entry into agriculture.
However, CEJA warns that these instruments may have limited impact unless accompanied by sufficient and guaranteed financial resources.
In its statement, CEJA reiterated its call for a mandatory allocation of 10% of CAP funding for generational renewal, established within the CAP’s basic legislative framework.
The organisation maintains that access to land, finance, education, professional skills and adequate living conditions in rural areas must be addressed through practical and adequately funded interventions.
Balancing National Flexibility with Common EU Commitments
A central feature of the Council’s position is greater flexibility for Member States to design agricultural support measures according to their national and regional circumstances.
While recognising the importance of this flexibility, CEJA cautions that differences in national implementation should not lead to unequal opportunities for young farmers across the European Union.
The organisation therefore advocates a strong common European framework, supported by clear financial commitments, effective monitoring and appropriate safeguards.
The Council’s agreement remains partial, as important financial questions will be addressed through the wider negotiations on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034.
Implications for Agriculture in Gozo
The debate on generational renewal is particularly relevant to Gozo, where the sustainability of small-scale farming and the continuation of family agricultural enterprises are important considerations for the future of the sector.
Young and prospective farmers on small islands can face particular difficulties, including limited agricultural land availability, fragmented holdings, high investment costs and the economic constraints associated with operating in a relatively small market.
A future CAP framework that provides accessible establishment assistance, investment support and targeted measures for small agricultural holdings could contribute to improving the prospects of younger generations entering and remaining in farming.
Equally important will be the manner in which Malta translates the European framework into national interventions, ensuring that the circumstances of Gozo’s agricultural sector are adequately recognised.
Measures supporting farm succession, access to finance, modernisation, skills development and cooperation between producers could play an important role in strengthening the long-term viability of agricultural activity on the island.
Looking Ahead
The Council’s partial general approach represents an important stage in the negotiations on the CAP after 2027, but it does not constitute the final legislative agreement.
Further discussions with the European Parliament, together with negotiations on the EU’s next long-term budget, will determine the eventual financial commitments and implementation arrangements.
For Gozo, the development of the future CAP presents an opportunity to ensure that the specific needs of small-scale and island agriculture are reflected in both European policy and Malta’s national planning.
GCAF will continue following these developments, particularly their implications for young farmers, agricultural succession and the long-term sustainability of farming in Gozo.