Young Farmer in Greece? Don’t Worry, We’ve Got You!

Have you ever dreamed of leaving the big city behind and starting a simpler life closer to nature? Or maybe you’ve grown up in the countryside and now feel ready to take the next professional step? Whatever your path, farming can be an exciting and rewarding adventure – but like any new beginning, it comes with challenges. That’s where the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) steps in to support you.

Generational renewal is one of CAP’s top priorities, and young farmers are at the heart of it. In simple terms: more young people like you are needed to lead the future of farming! And Greece is taking this seriously. Through its National CAP Strategic Plan, Greece is  going further than the EU miminum, by allocating 5.4% of its budget (instead of the compulsory 3%). This means a total of €730 million will be available for young farmers in Greece, divided into:

  • €140 million in direct income support (CAP Pillar I)
  • €590 million for farm installation support (CAP Pillar II)

With this, Greece aims to help more than 82,000 young farmers start or grow their farms. Sounds great, right? But before you apply, make sure you meet the basic requirements.

Who Qualifies as a Greek Young Farmer for Complementary Income Support (Pillar I)?

To be considered a young farmer under CAP, you must:

  •  Be under 40 years old.
  •  Be the head of the farm, either as an individual or through a company. If you apply as an individual (natural person), you must fully own and run your farm, and be legally and financially responsible for it. If you apply as a company (legal person), the company must be majority-owned (at least 51%) by a young farmer, who also needs to meet the same conditions as individuals.
  • Education & Skills. To qualify, you need at  least secondary school education (Lyceum or vocational school), or  special agricultural training of at least 150 hours, recognised by the authorities, plus a Gymnasium.

No formal education? No problem! You can still qualify if you have 3 years of full-time farming experience (or equivalent part- time) within the last 10 years.

Who Qualifies as a Greek Young Farmer for Installation / Start-Up Support (Pillar II)?

Now, let’s talk about getting your farm off the ground. CAP is here to help you kick-start your farm or agri-business. To qualify, you just need the three checks mentioned earlier, plus a few extras:

First Installation:

You must be starting farming for the first time – within 24 months before applying

Linked to Registration

Natural persons: Register in the Farmer Registry as a new farmer

Companies: New farmer takes over management + register the company as the holder of an agricultural holding

Business Plan:

Provide a plan lasting up to 4 years, describing your starting point, goals, and the steps you’ll take to grow your

It’s not so complicated after all, right?

With the right support, your dream of farming doesn’t have to stay a dream. CAP is here to back you up.

The land is waiting. Are you ready?