This is no country for young farmers: 6% are under 35

What industry can survive with a workforce of 6% aged under 35, and 31% aged over 65? Ireland has as many farmers aged under 35 as over 80. Poland has the advantage of the highest share of young farmers in Europe (12%), while Portugal has the lowest (2%), according to the most recent statistics.

Too few young recruits are entering EU farming, and older farmers are delaying their retirement.

Relatively low wages in farming compared to other occupations, and the attractions of urban life, turned the younger generation against it as a career — although such attitudes have been changed by recession in Ireland.