Datenbank der Projekte zur ländlichen Entwicklung
RDP start-up support for young farmer's commercial peach orchard
Summary
Start-up assistance for a young farmer growing peaches and cereals. The project helps strengthen the long-term stability of rural age structures and food supplies in Murcia. It provides a rural job in a region suffering from high youth unemployment.
Background
The region of Murcia is affected by high youth unemployment coupled with diminishing opportunities for young people in rural areas. There is a need for offering viable employment opportunities to young people and encourage them to become professionals in the agricultural sector. Dedicated RDP support for young farmers helps to strengthen the long-term stability of rural age structures and safeguard future food supplies.
Objective
Aim: to start-up a holding of 3.20 ha producing peaches and 5.80 Ha producing irrigated cereal. A key project objective was to contribute to the labour market inclusion of young people in the region whilst also helping protect long-term supplies of quality food products for EU citizens. In addition, farmers are the guardians of important EU natural resources (such as biodiversity) so support to young farmers also help to sustain these EU assets.
Main activities
The main activities carried out with start-up financial assistance from the RDP involved the young farmer’s new peach production systems. Land was cleared, fertilised and prepared for the orchard. The trees were planted and an automated irrigation system was installed.
Results & Benefits
The RDP project funding helped to facilitate labour market inclusion of a young person through the start-up of a profitable farm. Early results indicate that the young farmer’s business venture is economically successful and sustainability appears promising. This is a good example of how a RDP project can stimulates economic activity in rural areas and tackle depopulation pressures caused by youth unemployment.
Lessons learnt
Rural areas suffering high youth unemployment can use RDP support to help young people establish successful careers in agriculture. This can provide knock-on benefits for rural society since it helps to stabilise populations and economies. Food supplies for EU citizens flow from such RDP support and environmental benefits are also possible. RDP funds for young farmers from other measures can reinforce these positive rural development outcomes.
Project location and other information
Jumilla
Region
Murcia
RDP Territory
Murcia
Total project cost (€)
40 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
18 800
National contribution (€)
21 200
Contact name
Federico Garcia Izquierdo
Telephone
+34 968 36 27 71
Languages for contact
Spanish
At a glance
Country
Spain
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
€20 000 - €99 999
Start date:
10/02/2010
End Date:
30/09/2010
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Promoting knowledge and improving human potential
112. Setting up of young farmers
Keywords:
Fruit, Employment, Young farmers
Last update
08/05/2012