The Icelandic government is promoting newcomer support in agriculture but has established age restrictions that disqualify individuals over the age of 40. Oddrún Ýr Sigurðardóttir and her husband, Þorleifur Þorri Ingvarsson, who run the Reykás horticultural business, find themselves ineligible for state support due to their ages, despite being well-educated entrepreneurs with considerable experience. The current regulations, which only recognize individuals between 18 and 40 as 'newcomers', overlook the potential contributions of older individuals in the agricultural sector.

This exclusion raises questions about the government's policies and whether they effectively serve their intended purpose of fostering new agricultural businesses. Oddrún points out that their disqualification is not related to their capacity to contribute to the sector, but solely on their age. This scenario underscores a growing concern about age discrimination in support programs that aim to promote growth in Iceland's agricultural landscape.

Critics of the policy argue that limiting support based on age could hinder the development of the agricultural industry by excluding experienced and knowledgeable individuals who are capable of making significant investments. As Iceland looks to bolster agricultural practices and enhance food security, revisiting and potentially revising these age restrictions may be essential to unlock the full potential of its workforce and support diversity in farming initiatives.