There are many old people and few women in domestic agriculture

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The period of massive generational changes may soon arrive, as the aging of the managers of the economies continued between 2020 and 2023. While in 2020 the proportion of managers aged 65 and over was 35%, by 2023 this figure had risen to 37%. 23% of managers belong to the 55-64 age group, which shows a decreasing trend. 23% of managers also belong to the 45-54 age group, but this number shows an increasing trend. The proportion of farmers under the age of 35 was 4.9% in both 2020 and 2023. “The high number of aging agricultural managers dares to conclude that a new generation may join the circle of current decision-makers in the foreseeable future. In this way, well-functioning traditional farming can be complemented even more by a younger approach,” said agricultural engineer László Fülöp, managing director of Vitafer Hungária Kft.

For nearly a decade and a half, the proportion of people with qualifications has been increasing

The proportion of farm managers who manage farms without agricultural training has been decreasing since 2010. “In 2023, the proportion of those with agricultural qualifications among managers was 45%, which is an improving trend compared to the past. However, even so, more than 100,000 farms are managed without agricultural training, which is not a small number. In 2023, however, 9 out of 10 managers had a higher education in agriculture,” pointed out agricultural engineer László Fülöp. These numbers are in sync with the increase in the proportion of crop farms. Compared to animal breeders, in the case of plant growing activities, those with a higher degree in agriculture represent a larger share. However, the proportion of managers with at most secondary education also increased, in 2023 their proportion exceeded 34%.

Young generations and higher professional knowledge can also support the spread of new methods in agriculture

Precision farming, artificial intelligence and the use of drones are just some of the relatively new areas that may soon gain even more ground in agriculture. In addition, more sustainable operation, be it ecological or economic, may also play a significant role in the future. “In order to promote high yield and high-quality cultivation, younger farmers are committed to trying new products and services, and even to their long-term use. As part of this, suspended manures that can be used not only cost-effectively, but also in ecological farming can be spread on farms,” added the managing director of Vitafer Hungária Kft., who emphasized, however, that it is not enough to find the right products, the time and method of their application is also important obtain appropriate information for farmers.