£6m scheme to encourage next generation of farmers launched

Eligible applicants must be aged under 40
Eligible applicants must be aged under 40

A £6m scheme to develop the next generation of farmers is open for applications from today, the Welsh government has confirmed.

The scheme offers start-up aid to high achieving individuals looking to establish new business or develop an existing business, and will support 150 farmers.

Successful applicants will need to demonstrate they have the attributes to lead dynamic businesses and drive change in the wider industry.

Eligible applicants must be aged under 40 on 1 April 2018. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 12 June and there will be only one application window.

Expressions of interest will be made through Rural Payments Wales (RPW) only.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “Now is the time to prepare for the challenges Brexit brings. As a Government, we are working hard to support the industry to prepare and build resilience.

“This scheme and Young Persons Forum will help the next generation of farmers put their businesses and the wider industry in the strongest position to thrive in a post-Brexit world.”

Next generation

Welcoming the scheme, NFU Cymru President John Davies said the future of agriculture is dependent on young farmers.

“It is vitally important that we support the next generation in every way possible and this scheme will provide vital investment to allow young farmers to further progress or kick-start their business,” Mr Davies said.

“As I travel around Wales I am always encouraged by the number of young enthusiastic individuals wanting to make a career in agriculture, I would encourage anyone with an interest in applying to do so.

“Whilst there are many uncertainties post-Brexit, there are also great opportunities as we look to meet the challenge of producing great food to the highest health, welfare and environmental standards for a growing global population.”