Milks 4 Generations
Securing the future of farming
Working towards farmer succession
Spain
People
The number of farmers in Spain (and the rest of the world) is in steep decline. In 1993 there were 142.000 farmers active in the country. By 2019 there were just 13.000 left.
Farming in crisis:
90% fewer farmers in less than 30 years.
Even the number of Danone farmers is decreasing. Between 2014 and 2019, 50% of Danone farmers in Spain quit the dairy farming business.
When family and business collide
The succession of farmers is a delicate subject. Especially amongst family farmers. They inherited the farm from their father, who inherited it from his. But somewhere along the way, there is a disconnect. And we see it more and more.
Most people who grow up on farms learn the basics from the previous generation. When they then become adults, they assume more responsibility. And are ultimately left in charge of the entire operation, ideally while being assisted by the previous generation.
That is where the disconnect happens. Family interferes with business, and there either isn’t a clear successor or the previous generation is unwilling to let go of the business.
A world’s first: succession coaching with dairy farmers
It is often a problem both parties want to solve but lack the skills to do so. Danone offers those family farms succession coaching. We assess the farm situation and try to mend the relationship, separating family affairs from the business.
We provide farmers with a roadmap for succession. So, all parties fully prepare for what is to come. It is a way to ensure the farm’s survival while clearly defining the role the successor will play.
Online competence training videos
Another problem many farmers face is a lack of management skills. They learned how to farm from their parents, who not always have the latest business knowledge.
The business as a whole has changed on top of that. This results in the new generation lacking the know-how to strike deals and handle their workers and investments.
Through an online video course consisting of 9 segments, followed by a Q&A, we teach young farmers everything they need to help their business succeed.
They receive a certificate upon completion, which helps them secure funds, loans and show their knowledge to possible investors.
Technical assistance
Learning from a previous generation is a great way to get into farming, but it also puts young farmers at a disadvantage. They often lack technical skills – they know how their father did it but have little to no idea if their ways are the best or most technologically advanced.
That is why Danone offers those farmers technical and tool support on a daily basis and on a personal level. So, they and their farm can succeed for years to come.
You might also be interested in:
The Educampo project in Brazil, where young farmers update their skills and knowledge.
