Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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That was very interesting. Mr. Wojciechowski gave us some startling statistics, including the point that 1,000 farmers per day are exiting farming in Europe. Europe is a big place but that is still a huge number. Another significant statistic from his presentation is that 80% of farmers are over 45 years of age.

That number has not changed substantially in the last period of time either. The system was changed in the last Common Agricultural Policy review whereby there is a 25% top-up in pillar one. Has that been examined yet and has it made a significant difference for young farmers and generational renewal? Young farmers received a 25% top-up on their basic payment.