With a week to go until the latest window for applications closes, Lesley Griffiths is urging people to find out more about the Young People into Agriculture scheme and consider applying.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Earlier this year the Cabinet Secretary launched the £6m Young People into Agriculture scheme to support new young entrants into the industry.
The scheme will offer start-up aid to top performing young people looking to establish a new business or develop an existing business. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate they have the attributes to lead dynamic businesses and drive positive change in the wider industry.
Following the first window for applications, 106 young people progressed to the next stage. Recently, during the Royal Welsh Agriculture Show, the Cabinet Secretary announced a new window for applications, which closes next week on 29 August.
The Cabinet Secretary said:
“Young farmers are the future of agriculture and that is why attracting the most ambitious new and young entrants to the industry is a priority of mine. Our £6m Young People into Agriculture scheme aims to do just this and I am pleased 106 people have already progressed to the next stage.
“There are 150 places available on the scheme and at the Royal Welsh Show I announced a new window for applications. With a week to go until that window closes, my message to aspiring young people is simple - find out more about the sizeable support available through the scheme to kick start your farming business and future career.
“It is now just over seven months until we leave the European Union and we are working with the industry to help them prepare for the inevitable change and challenges ahead.