Land speculation and land concentration are an increasing threat to small to medium sized family farms and prospective farmers in Europe. Soaring land prices make it increasingly difficult for farmers to buy or rent farmland. In some regions of Europe investors are buying up enormous pieces of land, sometimes using legal loopholes. In other parts of Europe, arable land, pastures and forests are highly concentrated since centuries, leading to negative effects for rural development.
This event, organised by the European Economic and Social Committee, the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament and the 'Hands on the Land' alliance, aims to bring together farmers, NGOs, politicians and regulatory bodies from different European countries to analyse the situation and discuss possible solutions.
Time and venue: 09-12:30: Room VMA3 (European Economic and Social Committee, Rue Belliard 100); 15-17:00: Room A1G3 (European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60).