‘Rising interest among youth in farming’
In his International Green Week 2012 press conference in Berlin, speaking through an interpreter, Mr Ciolos said, “The crisis in Ireland has led to rising interest among young people in farming and related fields.” He was responding to questions about the difficulty in getting recruits in farming in continental countries.
He said the Commission wants more young people in agriculture, its proposals for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy allow scope to attract young farmers, and it cooperates closely with the European Association of Young Farmers.
Mr Ciolos also clarified CAP proposals designed to increase collaboration between farmers in marketing.
He said too many farmers are trying to sell their produce as single individuals, and called for them to get together in joint marketing, saying the Commission will support them to market their produce better, through the kind of joint approach and cooperative effort that has worked well in the EU fruit and veg sector.
