Generation Earth: Money for young people who invest in agriculture

Funding and grants for business expansion or the purchase of new land. But also for launching a sustainability startup.

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Earth Generation It's a project, coordinated by ISMEA, to provide comprehensive financing for young farmers: to expand their businesses, invest in the purchase of new land, and launch an innovative startup. There are three lines of intervention. The first is intended for young agricultural entrepreneurs under 41 who intend to expand an existing business or purchase new land. The second line, however, is intended for young people, also under 41, launching an agricultural startup. The third, related to innovation and sustainability, is for startuppers under 35.

What do the benefits provided by the project consist of? Generation Earth?

The options are various and precisely they consist of: 

  • In the purchase of land by ISMEA, and the subsequent assignment of the same land to the applicant under a Retention of Title Agreement (PRD). At this stage, the applicant will undertake to repay the sum owed to ISMEA (with consequent cancellation of the PRD) within a period of fifteen to thirty years;
  • In the granting of a mortgage loan for the purpose of purchasing land by the applicant.
  • The maximum amount of financing is proposed as:
  • €1.500.000 for young agricultural entrepreneurs and experienced startuppers;
  • 500.000 euros, in the case of young startuppers with a qualification

With what money is it financed? Generation Earth?

European fundsThe European Union, through the Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) Programme, the European Social Fund (ESF), and the Horizon Europe Programme, finances projects related to youth employment, social inclusion, and sustainability. Young agricultural entrepreneurs can access these funds to finance their businesses.

National and regional fundsNational and regional governments offer grants or low-interest loans to support young farmers in starting their businesses. In Italy, for example, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Policies provides funding for new generations of farmers.

Private financing and venture capital: Green and agricultural start-ups can also access funding from private funds or venture capital, which are increasingly interested to invest in innovative and sustainable projects in the agricultural sector.

The project's framework is designed to increase the share of agricultural businesses run by young people. According to a recent report by the Divulga Study Center, out of a total of 704 agricultural, forestry, and fishing businesses in Italy, 52.717 (7,5 percent) are run by young entrepreneurs, usually under 35. Their standard productivity is €4.296 per hectare, double the European average of €2.207 per hectare.

For those who wish to submit an application to obtain financing provided by Earth Generation, just consult this site where all the information is given.

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