The average age of farmers in Canada is rising, and the number of farmers under the age of 35 is falling. For example, in New Brunswick we have only 235 farmers under the age of 35.
We are in the midst of a crisis in intergenerational farm transfer. There is an urgent need for measures to assist young people to begin and to continue farming. Measures to promote sustainable incomes for all farmers will help young people choose farming as an economically viable career.
Beginning farmers require mentorship and training, as well as assistance in gaining access to land, especially in options for secure land tenure that do not involve crippling debt. The NFU recommends that the federal government develop mechanisms for family farm intergenerational land transfers that do not rely on loans and interest payments.
Canada also needs an income assurance plan for beginning farmers to assist them in becoming established and to support their long-term success. A retirement savings plan or a pension plan specifically designed for farmers would reduce their need to rely on selling their land at high prices to fund their retirement.