Young farmers are facing challenges with farm takeovers

Preparing for taking over a family farm can be extremely stressful and is one of the biggest issues facing farmers across Quebec and Canada. Luckily, there are a few organizations that are designed to help with these transitions.

ARAMO (Association de la Relève Agricole Montérégie-Ouest) is a sector of the FRAQ (Fédération de la Relève Agricole de Quebec), which helps farmers aged 16 to 39 and advocates for policies that will help them.

In a recent interview with Hugh Maynard for The Gleaner’s Farm to Food podcast, Claudia Meganck, a director of ARAMO, said “The goal of the organization is really to help young farmers establish themselves and eventually to prosper on their farms if [they’re] already established.”

There are multiple challenges that young farmers are facing today. “One of the biggest ones is the access to land, because in the last 20 years or so, the price of land has increased astronomically,” Meganck says. She adds that another issue is “profitability of businesses – that’s more difficult, because often when you’re taking over, you have a higher debt load because you’re just starting.” Plus, there is buying new equipment and dealing with inflation, all while also balancing family dynamics.

There is some support available for these farmers, and the FRAQ is pushing for more. Meganck says that Quebec is fortunate to have the programs they do have, but there is still room for growth. For example, when she graduated in 2017, the Financière Agricole de Québec offered $50,000 to new farms. In nine years that amount has not changed nor kept pace with rising costs.

For farmers that do not have a family member who is ready to take over, Meganck explains that there is an organization called L’Arterre, which works to pair up young farmers with a farm that is looking for a successor. However, she says, “I know that it’s quite difficult right now … the organization is lacking funding because it’s government run.” Like with many government programs, funding is being cut all the time.

To young farmers who are trying to figure it out, Meganck offers some advice. “Get an education. There’s all kinds of training programs available …The more information and knowledge you get beforehand, not only does it help you when you actually go to work in the industry, but also for all the financial institutions; it shows them that you’re competent.” She also recommends that they surround themselves with the best professionals available so they can learn as much as possible and be ready for their turn at the helm.