NFYFC 'disappointed' as government ends long-running grant

Defra has ended more than three decades of funding for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), according to the federation.

NFYFC said it was “disappointed” to be told by the government in July that the current grant would be the last.

The discretionary grant is issued to support training, events and research projects for young people in agriculture.

However, in an update on the issue, a Defra spokesperson said on Friday (5 September) that "no decisions on funding have been made yet and to suggest otherwise is false."

The spokesperson said: "We’ve provided £30,000 to support the important work of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs in the 2025/2026 financial year.

“We are working with the farmers to build a more profitable farming system with food production at its core and helps restore nature in an uncertain world.”

Speaking before this, Shadow Defra Minister Robbie Moore described any move to cut funding as “outrageous”.

He said the grant represented a “tiny sum” but made a “massive difference not just for young farmers but all young people interested in agriculture and the countryside”.

Mr Moore added that the decision suggested Labour are “not just going after farming businesses and those older farmers fearing inheritance taxes, but the next generation as well”.

NFYFC said it would remain an “active stakeholder, representing the views of our members and the next generation”.

A spokesperson for the federation explained how the grant had enabled the federation to work closely with the government.

“The small grant enabled NFYFC to work closely with Defra to make emerging policy tangible for the next generation and deliver innovative training, events, resources and research projects, which remain available in our Knowledge Hub.

"Everyone recognises these are challenging times for the industry, and we are actively seeking alternative sources of support to benefit young farmers.

"We remain proud of the work we have achieved over many years with the help of the Defra grant, and we hope that future opportunities for support will allow us to continue making a positive difference to young farmers.”