Despite the perception that family-run farms are fading into the past, they remain the predominant business model in Europe, accounting for over 90% of the 9.1 million farms in the continent. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), family farming plays a pivotal role in enhancing the inclusivity, sustainability, resilience, and efficiency of our food and agricultural systems. As guardians of landscapes, wildlife, communities, and cultural heritage, family farmers prioritize social and emotional factors in their decisions, unlike large profit-driven agribusinesses.
However, the family farming model is facing adversity. Between 2010 and 2020, the EU witnessed a staggering loss of approximately 3 million farms, and the vast majority of those were family-owned. Compared to previous times, the transfer of family farms has become more intricate due to structural and societal challenges. The work is perceived as demanding and yet yields meager compensation. In 2019, farmers reported dedicating an average of 55 hours per week to their primary farming occupation, significantly higher than the average worker’s 37 hours. Despite the passion some young people harbor for continuing the family farming tradition, many prefer to maintain a separation between their professional and personal lives.
Additionally, the tendency in our society to belittle the farming profession, known in France as “agribashing,” further hinders the situation. The European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) presents its own set of difficulties. Within a complex landscape characterized by diverse agricultural sectors across European countries, the CAP plays a crucial role in harmonizing member states’ policies and supporting farmers in areas like food production, land management, and stewardship. However, the CAP has faced criticism for its arduous bureaucratic processes and extended waiting periods, which impede many from accessing its subsidies. Furthermore, by allocating subsidies proportionate to farm size, the CAP has been accused of favoring large farms over smaller family-run and medium-sized operations. As family farms are considerably smaller in size compared to non-family farms, they bear the brunt of these disparities.
Such frustrations are escalating, reaching a boiling point. This past winter, farmers across Europe took to the streets, protesting against excessive bureaucracy and demanding reforms to the CAP to enhance transparency and accessibility of subsidies for those who need them most. Despite these obstacles, younger generations continue to exhibit enthusiasm for farming, irrespective of whether they come from farming families. As evidenced by a survey conducted among agriculture engineering students at Institut Polytechnique UniLaSalle, presented at a seminar in October 2021, the desire for “stimulating work” that contributes to environmental stewardship motivates many to pursue careers in agriculture. For instance, in a survey exploring gender issues in agricultural entrepreneurship in France, a 34-year-old female farmer expressed a profound realization: “I want to take action because the agricultural sector is critically important for society, for the world, and for the role it has to play in addressing the challenges of climate change.”
Marianne Gamet, a third-generation member of a champagne-producing family, firmly believes that “the new generation can make a difference.” She staunchly opposes selling shares in the family business to external investors, taking pride in a product that has been passed down through generations. To ensure the sustainability of farming, many are embracing diversification, exploring alternative revenue streams such as methane gas production, photovoltaics, agritourism, and educational programs.
Our research has uncovered inspiring examples of diversification:
– Oleastro, a Cyprus-based olive oil company, pioneered the production of organic olive oil in the country. They expanded their customer base by establishing an Olive Oil Museum, hosting festivities, and offering workshops.
– The Golden Donkeys Farm in Cyprus produces diverse milk products, including face creams, liqueurs, delights, and chocolates. They also offer donkey rides on the farm and organize craft workshops.
– Les Délices du Jardin d’Ainval in France specializes in cultivating “forgotten” vegetables. They organize farm visits and educational programs for students and other participants.
The entrepreneurial spirit inherent in family businesses is a major attraction for many young people. For successful family transitions, a harmonious relationship between predecessors and successors is paramount. This requires mutual understanding of expectations and effective adaptation of roles and decision-making. The older generation must be prepared to support the post-transition phase and gracefully withdraw from the farm at the appropriate time. They should also actively prepare for the transition by creating conditions that make the farm appealing to the younger generation, particularly by adopting farming practices that resonate with their values. These adjustments include reorganizing work and, when feasible, hiring employees to alleviate the drudgery and constraints associated with farming. By delegating technical tasks, farmers can free up time for strategic and sustainable aspects of their operations. Older generations also benefit from reducing physically demanding work, demonstrating that farming requires a diverse skill set transferable to various career paths.
Marius Voeltzel, a 32-year-old producer of pulses in the Eure region of France and founder of the Pousses de là brand, embodies this dynamic. He shares his mother’s clear message: “If we want to establish our own businesses, we can take over part of the farm, but only if we have a vision to contribute something innovative.” This approach inspires him to identify ways to make his own unique impact on the farm. His mother has been a pillar of support, providing the necessary tools and physical assistance to him and his brother since they joined the farm.
These examples underscore the significance of policymakers recognizing the entrepreneurial, organizational, and psychological dimensions of family farms, giving them equal weight to administrative and financial support. In the long run, family farms are the lifeblood of European agriculture and deserve our utmost attention and cultivation.
