Understanding intergenerational farm succession intentions and discussions in family farms : Evidence from Hungary

Abstract

In European agriculture, generational change represents a major challenge for future farm management, as the low number of young people and the ageing farming population risk the survival of family farms. The agricultural structure of Hungary, the dominance of family farms, and the emotional attachment to the land call attention to examining farm succession processes. The paper analyses generational renewal in agriculture using quantitative, empirical methods in a Central Eastern European region, building on the theoretical frameworks of Socioemotional Wealth and Family Firms. An online survey questionnaire collects responses from 249 Hungarian farmers, which are analyzed using logit and probit regression models. The study explores how family involvement, farm management, economic performance, and intergenerational collaboration are associated with engagement in succession-related discussion and intention. Results indicate that farmers' decision-making roles, family members' active participation, favourable financial performance, and family support are positively associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in discussions about generational change. In turn, the members of the Y and Z generations show lower engagement in such discussions, while the more active role of female farmers raises new interpretative possibilities for gender roles. The research highlights the interplay between economic considerations and emotional and identity-based motivations in succession discussions. These findings support policy measures aimed at supporting early-stage engagement in succession processes, including aspects related to family relationships, knowledge transfer, and generational attitudes.