DEFRA removes support grant for young farmers

By Chris Wright, Consultant and ARA specialist

In a blow to the agricultural and farming sector, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has scrapped a grant which supported the growth and development of young farmers.

It’s a big loss of financial support for young farmers and is likely to affect the development of younger farmers and potentially reduce the number of young people interested in a farming career.

This will impact experienced, established farmers, especially if they are putting succession plans in place.

If the financial support of young farmers is gone, their development will take significantly longer, making planning a much harder task.

What has DEFRA removed?

The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), who were supported by DEFRA’s grant, has confirmed it will no longer receive the discretionary grant to help its members.

Having received their final grant in July, NFYFC will now need to re-evaluate and work out how they can replace the lost funds.

The grant, which had been in place for three decades, was used by NFYFC to work closely with young farmers and policymakers to offer training, events, and research.

NFYFC has confirmed its disappointment but has reiterated that its work with DEFRA will not come to an end.

While the grant wasn’t the biggest, it gave NFYFC the tools to make a difference to help young farmers and encourage young people to explore a career in farming.

The loss of the grant is not great for farming.

The news of funding loss isn’t great for the farming sector. With many farmers facing increasing financial challenges, the loss of funding for the next generation is not a good look.

Many farmers will be assessing their finances and putting a succession plan in place, whether that is passing the business down to a family member or a sale to another party.

This could be problematic long-term if there isn’t a new generation of farmers, and casts doubt over the long-term future of the UK’s farming sector.

Exploring succession options?

Given the latest developments, you may be assessing your own future plans. With funding reduced for the next generation of farmers, you may be reconsidering your next steps.

If you’re looking at succession plans and the future of your farm, our team is on standby to provide comprehensive advice and support.

Whether you are passing your farm onto the next generation or selling your farm, our team can help and support you every step of the way.

We’ll help you with finances, valuations, and tax details so you can make the right decision for your farm.

Planning your farm’s future? Get in touch to find out how we can help.