Young farmers could get up to €300,000 in support after 2027, but not as a one-off bonus
The draft of the EU's new Common Agricultural Policy would let member states support a young farmer with up to €300,000, but this is a combined ceiling for several forms of aid, not a single payment. Rules and amounts for Poland have not yet been set.
The draft of the European Union's new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period after 2027 would allow member states to support young farmers with up to €300,000. The aim is to encourage young people to take over family farms, as the EU faces a growing shortage of successors and fewer young people want to stay in farming. Poland's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MRiRW) says the specific rules and the size of the bonus in Poland have not yet been decided.
A ceiling, not a one-off payment
Dr. Bogdan Pomianek of the ministry explained during a webinar that €300,000 is an upper limit covering various forms of assistance, not an announcement of a single bonus of that size. Possible instruments include bonuses, investment support and financial instruments. Benefits tied to credit support, such as interest subsidies, may also count toward the limit.
What the bonus will be in Poland
In the current period, the bonus in Poland is 200,000 zlotys, and 300,000 zlotys for young farmers engaged in livestock production. The ministry has not yet decided whether these amounts will be kept, raised or changed. The final rates will depend on the budget and the design of the whole support system.
Will agricultural education be required?
The draft EU rules leave it to member states to decide whether agricultural education is required. Poland has not yet determined whether it will drop this condition. Farmers taking part in discussions have voiced support for keeping the qualification requirement. Another option under consideration is periodic courses or training that would let young farmers keep their skills up to date.
Staying in farming is what counts
The ministry is looking not only at the amount of aid but also at its effectiveness and at problems arising in carrying out business plans, milestones and commitments. According to Pomianek, the goal should be not simply obtaining support but lasting ties between young people and agriculture. The ministry is also considering whether young farmers receiving the bonus could get preferences for investments, such as a higher level of co-financing. It is not yet known whether the bonus could be combined with financial instruments, or on what terms.
