Massey Ferguson has signed a partnership arrangement with CEJA – The European Council of Young Farmers on the opening day of the Agritechnica Show in Hannover.

Speaking at the ceremony, Richard Markwell, Vice-President and Managing Director, Massey Ferguson, Europe, Africa and Middle East said this agreement brings together a new generation of machinery with a new generation of farmers.

“Just 6% of European farmers are under 35 years old. As an industry we need to develop and nurture the next generation of farmers. This close relationship with CEJA will help us to develop the new technology and equipment these future farmers require to produce more food from less land and declining resources.

“We will help invest in the future by also encouraging more young people to see agriculture as a professional, productive and exciting career,” he added.

Matteo Bartolini, President of the European Council of Young Farmers, said support from Massey Ferguson will help the organisation’s two million members to increase production, improve sustainability and compete across the globe. “More than a third of Europe’s farmers are currently over 65 years old - we need to find ways to help young people to progress in agriculture.

“These include access to land, capital and credit, and addressing the issues of low returns on high investments and a lack of long-term perspectives. These challenges are common to young people attempting to start a farm anywhere in the world, and should be addressed with the use of public support. This has been taken on board in the European Union (EU) recently with the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), but still requires strong and effective implementation,” he added.