A new business guide to help foster a budding entrepreneurial spirit in rural areas has been launched after demand showed room for more support aimed at young farmers.
The free business guide aims to offer young farmers "essential advice" about how to get a farming business started.
It has been launched by The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) and Savills, during National Young Farmers’ Week.
It was created in response to a demand from young people who wanted more support for starting successful farming business ventures.
The advice, called the Smart Farming Guide, comes as the industry faces huge changes post-Brexit.
It will offer advice on starting, funding, protecting and growing an agri business.
The guide has been released at a time as young people face barriers in gaining experience in farming due to numerous uncertain factors.
'Need for business support'
Sarah Palmer, NFYFC’s Agriculture and PR Manager, said: “The aim of the project was to encourage early take-up of good business practice and provide an online guide for all aspects of business development.
“Expertise and collaboration were key components of the project offering YFC members a comprehensive guide on many levels.
“Both YFC members and the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) have raised awareness of the need for business support and new business models of collaboration between generations of farmers to help ensure their farming futures.”
Clive Beer Savills, Head of Savills UK Rural Professional Services, said: “The framework within which UK agriculture operates is about to undergo the biggest change since the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846.
“During the next few years our trading platforms and subsidies will change and we have to hope that these negotiations and outcomes put UK agriculture in a strong position for the future.
“This is a really exciting initiative which provides a central resource to all young farmers and I am delighted that Savills is supporting it.”
