A new report has evaluated the impact of the community support given by Young Farmers’ Clubs during its Countryside Challenge project.
The Countryside Challenge, with funding from the Cabinet Office and Pears Foundation, supported five community projects per quarter over two years.
Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFCs) could earn up to £400 to put towards their community and environmental project, and the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC) also offered tools, resources and training to clubs.
A total of 546 young people took part in projects funded through the Countryside Challenge and 36 projects were awarded grants totalling £14,400.
Dorrington YFC is one of the case studies included in the report as the club restored and resurfaced a play park – helping it to become a valued community facility.
One YFC member who took part in this project said: “It was a great day, with the village committee keeping us fed and watered and, although it was hard work, there was a great feeling of accomplishment.”
The report also shows the positive perceptions of YFC following the completion of a community project.
It demonstrates that social action projects provided YFC with a valuable platform to showcase their capabilities to deliver high quality projects and the contribution they make to wider society.
Lynsey Martin, NFYFC's Chair of Council said: "This report helps to show the true impact of the Countryside Challenge project and what YFCs achieved. The evaluation demonstrates how big a difference YFCs can make in their local rural communities and the positive impact it has on the wellbeing of those who take part in supporting their community."
The report's release follows the farming industry celebrating the role the UK's 615 Young Farmers’ Club play in rural communities during National Young Farmers’ Week 2018.
