A new impetus for Italian agriculture passes through the hands of young people. The DDL on entrepreneurship for "under 40s" was approved with the ambition of trigger a generational change and give new life to a strategic sector for the country's economy.
The need for a change of pace
Italian agriculture is facing an epochal challenge: the aging of its workforce. The average age of farmers exceeds 55 years, with an alarming fact that highlights that over 60% is over 50 years old. This trend, if not counteracted urgently, risks causing a irreparable loss of skills and know-how, compromising the competitiveness and very survival of the sector.
The causes of this phenomenon they are multiple and complex:
• Lack of attractiveness of agricultural work for the new generations: new generations are often reluctant to undertake a career in agriculture, discouraged by factors such as low pay, the perception of hard and tiring work, poor work flexibility and limited opportunities for professional growth.
• Difficulty accessing credit and land: Access to credit and land is a significant barrier for young people aspiring to start an agricultural business. The lack of real guarantees, the high thresholds for access to financing and the high cost of land make it difficult for new entrepreneurs to establish themselves.
• Low profitability of agricultural businesses: the Italian agricultural sector is characterized by an average profitability lower than other economic sectors. This factor makes investment in agriculture unattractive for the new generations, who rightly seek job opportunities with an adequate economic return.
• Lack of adequate support policies: policies to support youth entrepreneurship in agriculture are often fragmented and insufficient. There is a lack of a long-term strategic vision that accompanies young farmers in their professional growth path.
A Fund for the future
At the center of the bill there is a Fund for youth entrepreneurship in agriculture, with 150 million euros for the three-year period 2024-2026. The resources will be used to finance various support measures, among which:
• Non-repayable contributions: up to 70% of eligible expenses for starting or expanding the agricultural business, with a maximum of 100,000 euros. This measure represents an important incentive for young people who wish to start a business in agriculture, providing them with the capital necessary to invest in infrastructure, machinery and innovative technologies.
• Subsidized loans: zero-interest or subsidized interest loans for the purchase of land, machinery and agricultural equipment. Access to subsidized credit is essential to overcome one of the main obstacles to the establishment of young farmers, facilitating the purchase of land and the means necessary to run the business.
• Technical assistance and tutoring services: to support young farmers in the start-up and management phase of the business. The support of expert tutors and the provision of technical assistance services are crucial to facilitate the entry of young people into the agricultural sector, providing them with the skills and tools necessary to overcome initial challenges and consolidate their business.
• Tax breaks: reduction of income taxes and social security contributions. The bill provides a package of tax breaks to encourage youth entrepreneurship in agriculture. The reduction of taxes and contributions represents an important tax relief for young farmers, promoting the profitability of their businesses.
Requirements and beneficiaries
To access the contributions provided for by the DDL, young farmers must be aged between 18 and 40, have a high school diploma or a professional qualification in the agricultural sector and not be the owner of an agricultural business already started. The DDL is aimed both at those who intend to start a business from scratch and at those who want to expand or diversify an existing business.
A step forward towards a green and competitive future
The approval of the “Young Farmers” bill represents a significant step forward for the future of Italian agriculture. Support for new generations represents a strategic investment for the competitiveness of the sector, the protection of the territory and the promotion of a sustainable and innovative agricultural model. It is essential to continue on this path, expanding and strengthening support measures and promoting an entrepreneurial ecosystem tailored to young people, to guarantee a green and competitive future for Italian agriculture.
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