KEDE: Alarm for the future of rural Greece – Support young farmers now

The future of rural Greece hinges on attracting and supporting a new generation of farmers, according to the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE). The union presented its views during a session of the European Committee of the Regions, emphasizing that generational renewal in agriculture is not just a priority but a strategic imperative for Europe's rural heartlands, food security, and social cohesion.

KEDE acknowledged that the proposed EU opinion correctly identifies that attracting young people to farming requires more than just access to land or funding. Crucially, it depends on the availability of decent living and working conditions in rural areas. For Greece, specific challenges like island geography, mountainous terrain, and fragmented land ownership add further complexity to retaining and attracting young farmers.

The union argued that if Europe and its member states genuinely want more young people in the primary sector, they must create tangible incentives. These include access to quality health and education services, modern infrastructure, adequate housing, reliable digital connectivity, and, most importantly, a secure and sustainable income for young farmers. KEDE warned that the abandonment of rural areas impacts not only the economy but also social cohesion, regional balance, and sustainable development.

"The real stake is not just who will cultivate the land in the coming years, but whether the Greek and European countryside will continue to be vibrant places of production, development, and social cohesion," KEDE's general secretary, Dimitris Kafantaris, stated. The union remains committed to policies that strengthen the resilience of the Greek regions and support the new generation of farmers.

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The real stake is not just who will cultivate the land in the coming years, but whether the Greek and European countryside will continue to be vibrant places of production, development, and social cohesion.