YOUNG FARMERS IN PORTUGAL: ASSESSMENT OF POLICY EFFECTS

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of agricultural policies, between 2005 and 2016, on the settlement of the young farmers and the changes in the Portuguese agricultural structure by age group of the farmers. The results show the ageing of agricultural holdings managers and the impossibility of generational renewal. Despite the provision of support for young farmers aiming at generational renewal, in Portugal it does not seem to have had the same effect as it has had in other countries of the European Union (EU). It is worth noting the significant decline in young farmers between 2010 and 2016, despite the new entrants supported by the rural development programme. The arising question is the relationship between
young people supported by policies and young people who remained in the sector as managers of agricultural holdings. Farms run by young farmers are more profitable and market oriented. These factors increase the sector competitiveness, but they do not seem to be sufficient to keep youth in the sector. It is important to identify young people supported by agricultural policy aimed at this age group that were able to demonstrate clear business competitiveness and modernization capacity, and the public policies that promote the success of their settlement.

Keywords: Young farmer, Agriculture, Policies, Rural Development Programme.