EU considering loans to encourage young people to stay in farming

THE EU is considering special loan packages to encourage young people to stay in farming, according to a leaked document obtained by Macra na Feirme.

Reduced interest loans, EU-secured loans, deferred payments and an Installation Aid grant are all listed in an EU review document forwarded to Macra by its European young farmer partner organisation, CEJA.

Macra president Michael Gowing said: “The leaked Commission document on CAP proposes that addressing the specific needs of young farmers and new entrants will be a priority in the new CAP. Less than 7% of Europe’s farmers are in the under-35 age group.