Abstract

The constant phenomenon of exodus and abandonment observed in rural areas of the European Union and the persistence of a «mature» agricultural entrepreneurship have attracted, since the 1970s, the attention of policy makers towards the generational change considered necessary and instrumental to give new life to the agricultural system. Despite the reform processes that have affected the European Union Structural Funds, the main instrument for promoting the entry of young people into agriculture has remained the initial setting-up scheme and, on the threshold of the start of a new programming cycle, it appears to be a never needed reflection on what has been done. Therefore, the present work aims to examine the implementation of rural development policies and their evolution, with specific reference to the national context, and the awareness that the generational change in agriculture represents a challenge and an opportunity for the future of the whole of the European Union.The privileged observation point is given from a group of researchers who have engaged for years in the construction of rural development policies and in supporting the Ministry of Agricultural and Agri-food Policies and the Regions.