The Northern Irish government has confirmed that it will help fund the development and delivery of a Land Mobility Scheme for Northern Ireland.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) and the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) have welcomed confirmation from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
Over two years, funding will go towards project costs and employing a project manager to run the initiative. This role will be managed by the YFCU.
The funds will be used to deliver a project that aims to help put farmers facing the challenge of succession in touch with younger farmers who want to get involved in farming.
The Land Mobility project manager will be responsible for the promotion of land and enterprise mobility, through collective arrangements such as partnerships, shared farming arrangements and leases between younger farmers and older landowners.
'Productive methods'
Commenting YFCU president, James Speers said: “This funding by DAERA complements the extensive work the YFCU have undertaken with CAFRE on the education and training of young farmers over the last few years.
“It also supports the clear desire of our members to bring innovation to the industry and develop more productive methods of land use.”
UFU president, Barclay Bell added: “DAERA's significant financial commitment is very welcome and shows they recognise the value of this scheme. A lot of work has gone into the planning and establishment of this joint initiative and I am delighted we are making progress.”
Both the YFCU and UFU are confident this scheme will benefit both older and younger farming generations by matching people to opportunities.
