As demand for new entrants in Europe's ageing agriculture industry increases – evidenced by special support measures and incentives for young farmers in the new Common Agricultural Policy – farming minister George Eustice has said young people should not have to inherit farms to be able to get ahead in the industry.

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Speaking at the Three Counties Farming conference last week, Eustice said the agriculture sector needs new blood, but that entry into the industry should not be the sole preserve of those who stand to inherit. The Defra minister added that, though the farming sector has a tradition dating back hundreds of years, it can still be vibrant and dynamic today.

Addressing the conference in Worcestershire on Thursday, Eustice said, "When they come into farming people must be helped to achieve their aims, not just through something that is inherited. The biggest barrier is cost, with land prices having tripled in the last 10 years, probably due to low interest rates and land being seen as a safe haven for money. We have to identify alternative routes into the industry."

Also speaking at the event, CLA president Henry Robinson reminded the audience that a quarter of farmers in the UK are over 65 years old, so the industry needs new young entrants.

During a debate, farming minister Eustice was challenged to work towards a longer-term strategic plan for UK agriculture, taking the lead from Ireland's 2020 plan. The minister agreed to meet with delegates to follow up on the discussion.

NFU delegate Minette Batters welcomed his agreement, tweeting, "Great Malvern farming conference.  Ag Minister George Eustice agreed that we need a long term strategic Ag/food plan."

Last year, former farming minister David Heath met with young farmers to discuss barriers facing young people who want a future in farming. Mr Heath claimed at the time that "A huge level of disengagement from the countryside" was preventing young people from "grasping the opportunities [farming] offers."

However, the Future of Farming Group, which the former minister tasked with looking into challenges new entrants face, identified prohibitively high land prices and the view that agriculture is a "closed shop" as playing a greater part in "[deterring] new entrants who are not from a farming background, but do have enthusiasm, fresh ideas and business skills."