A £6m scheme to develop the next generation of farmers is open for applications from today, Lesley Griffiths has confirmed
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The Young People into Agriculture scheme will offer start-up aid to high achieving individuals 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 change in the wider industry.
The scheme, agreed as part of the Budget agreement with Plaid Cymru, will support 150 farmers and will develop participants’ leadership skills.
Eligible applicants must be aged under 40 on 1 April 2018. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 12 June and there will be only one application window.
Cabinet Secretary said:
“Supporting the next generation of farmers is a key priority for me and this is even more important as we prepare to leave the European Union.
“This scheme will provide young people with the support they need to enter the industry and gain the skills needed to develop resilient and sustainable businesses. I urge young people to take the opportunity to put themselves forward and apply for the scheme.
“To complement this important scheme, I established a Young People in Agriculture Forum and met with the members last week to hear their views and talk to them about the development opportunities the Forum would provide for them. The Forum will help us further develop a long term relationship with young people who aspire to be the future senior leaders of the agriculture industry in Wales.
“Now is the time to prepare for the challenges Brexit brings. As a Government, we are working hard to support the industry to prepare and build resilience. This scheme and Young Persons Forum will help the next generation of farmers put their businesses and the wider industry in the strongest position to thrive in a post-Brexit world.”