£6m funding for young farmers in Wales
The Welsh Government has made available £6 million worth of funding to help young farmers in Wales to develop their businesses.
The grant will provide £40,000 to 150 farmers as part of a Young People into Agriculture Scheme.
Applicants must be under the age of 40 years old on April 1, 2018 and must be looking to establish a new business or develop an existing one. The funding can be used as working capital and will be paid to successful applicants in three instalments up to March 31, 2020.
“Applicants must be able to show that they have the skills to be self-motivated to drive their businesses forward and also have a keen interest in the wider agricultural industry,” said Kathryn Williams, a land agent with Davis Meade Property Consultants.
“As a part of the funding agreement applicants will also have to meet key performance indicators that will be agreed as part of their contract.
Expressions of interest can be made from April 1 to May 31, 2018. Points will be awarded according to the type of business, business structure, academic qualifications, level of continuing professional development and the strength of the business plan. Applications will then be ranked according to how they meet the selection criteria until the maximum number (150) is reached.
“Only people who are setting up as head of a holding for the first time (by September 1 of the scheme year), or who started as head of a holding for the first time in the 12 months prior to the 1 April are eligible,” Kathryn said.
For more information on the funding please contact Kathryn Williams at the Oswestry office of DMPC on 01691 659658 Mobile: 07971583638 email kathrynwilliams@dmpcuk.com
