Helping our next generation of farmers grow business potential
THE NEXT generation of farmers are being given key advice on launching new enterprises in the hope of bolstering the beleaguered agricultural sector.
Leading figures in the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) have joined forces with legal experts to launch a campaign aimed at providing support to rural entrepreneurs embarking on their new careers
An online resource, which is being launched during National Young Farmers’ Week, has been created in response to demand from young people who wanted more support for starting successful farming business ventures.
As the industry faces huge changes post-Brexit, the Smart Farming Guide, supported by Defra, offers a one-stop shop for practical advice on starting, funding, protecting and growing a robust agri business.
The free online guide, launched in partnership with Savills, will be continually updated with information during a time of unprecedented change, the NFYFC said.
It will also help members of Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFCs) to plan and deliver business development competitions as part of their programme of activities for developing members’ skills.
Sarah Palmer, NFYFC’s agriculture manager, said: “The aim of the project was to encourage early take-up of good business practice and provide an online guide for all aspects of business development.
“Expertise and collaboration were key components of the project offering YFC members a comprehensive guide on many levels.
“Both YFC members and the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) have raised awareness of the need for business support and new business models of collaboration between generations of farmers to help ensure their farming futures. “The Smart Farming Guide’s online platform helps to deliver this request and signposts many other sources of existing help and advice.”
The guide includes case studies from farming entrepreneurs, such as Chris Wildman from the Town End Farm Shop, near Malham, and Guy Watson from Riverford Organics, advice on the types of finance available, risk analysis and business protection advice and a resources section with links to wider business support.
The guide will be a linked to future projects to ensure consistent advice and information, according to the NFYFC.
Clive Beer, head of Savills UK rural professional services, said: “The framework within which UK agriculture operates is about to undergo the biggest change since the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846.
“During the next few years our trading platforms and subsidies will change and we have to hope that these negotiations and outcomes put UK agriculture in a strong position for the future.
“This is a really exciting initiative which provides a central resource to all young farmers and I am delighted that Savills is supporting it.”
NFYFC’s president Charlotte Smith said: “This is most definitely a legacy project and a great future asset for all YFC members.”
National Young Farmers’ Week, which runs until Sunday, is a celebration of the work YFCs do in their local communities and the contribution they make to the future of the industry and the rural environment. Malton: