Scheme for young entrants to farming in Wales (From Smallholder)

Scheme for young entrants to farming in Wales

2:30pm Thursday 23rd July 2009 in News

Hobby farmers retreat while commercial farmers bounce back say RICS New entrants to farming are set to benefit from a new Welsh Assembly Government scheme providing grants and business support announced by Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones. A budget allocation of up to £2 million has been made available for 2010-11.

The Young Entrants Support Scheme (YESS) aims to encourage and support new entrants, which is a One Wales commitment of the Welsh Assembly Government. YESS will open to applications in 2010.

The assistance package includes the following key elements: a one off direct aid grant up to a maximum of £15,000; access to a dedicated Young Entrants’ Business Enabler service; access to funded mentoring services from established farmers. In addition to providing information and advice, the Young Entrants’ Business Enabler will actively promote and broker joint ventures between young entrants and established farmers. A database will match up potential partners with a view to them entering into business together. This will hopefully encourage innovative business solutions that ensure the long-term survival of viable farming businesses, and potentially identify appropriate succession options.

Elin Jones said: “Evidence suggests that there are between 100 and 200 young entrants taking over the running of farming businesses in Wales each year. This rate needs to increase significantly if the industry is to thrive.

“The Welsh Assembly Government has recognised the need to harness the energy, drive and enthusiasm of young farmers. Through this new scheme, we will be able to channel those qualities in a way that allows innovation to flourish and successful businesses to emerge.

“I am confident that this scheme represents a significant step in the right direction toward the creation of a dynamic and competitive farming industry in Wales, fit for the future.”

Further details of the YESS are available at www.wales.gov.uk/farming The YESS scheme follows an announcement last week by Environment Minister Jane Davidson of a review of TAN 6, the planning guidance for homes in the countryside. It is looking at meeting the needs of rural areas, ensuring that local people have access to affordable housing and employment and helping to attract young people into farming by providing opportunities to build a second house on an established farm. This will allow a younger person to manage or work part-time on the farm while allowing an older farmer who may want to retire or work part-time to stay in the family home.