John F. Kennedy once said: "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." The quote is relevant to the challenge of generational renewal in Spain's fruit and vegetable sector.

According to the Agricultural Census, the average age of farm managers in Spain is 61.4 years, while 67% are over 55 and 41% are over 65. Those under 35 account for 4%. In horticulture, the average age of holding owners is around 53, compared with 58.6 in non-citrus fruit and 65.8 in citrus. Around 70% of current holders are expected to reach retirement age over the next decade.

Generational renewal is about more than replacing retiring farmers. It also involves transferring practical knowledge of varieties, crop management, water use, climate adaptation, and pest and disease control. Business knowledge is equally important, as producers must manage investment, costs, financing, certification, environmental rules, and market requirements.

Several barriers make entry difficult. Agricultural land is limited and can be expensive to buy or rent, while modern holdings require investment in irrigation, machinery, storage, plantations, or greenhouses. Limited margins, administrative requirements, and the need for technical, digital, and commercial skills add further challenges. Agriculture is also often perceived as physically demanding and financially risky, which can deter younger people.

At the same time, younger entrants can bring experience with sensors, irrigation monitoring, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and business management platforms. They may also introduce different approaches to water use, inputs, renewable energy, financial planning, cost control, risk management, international markets, e-commerce, and other business models.

The success of generational renewal will depend partly on transferring experience between generations. Cooperatives and producer organisations can support this through mentoring, training, and business succession initiatives. Practical experience on commercial holdings, combined with business training and technical advice, can also help new producers develop production, financial, and commercial skills.

Trade fairs, conferences, and sector meetings can contribute by bringing farmers, cooperatives, technology companies, and institutions together. Fruit Attraction is one such meeting point for the Spanish and international fruit and vegetable sector.

For younger farmers and entrepreneurs, the event provides opportunities to exchange knowledge, establish commercial contacts, and examine developments in areas including precision agriculture, automation, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, logistics, and sustainability.

As Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa wrote in "The Leopard": "If we want everything to remain as it is, everything must change."

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com