Farming

Welcome for Young People into Agriculture Scheme

Published

7 years ago

May 21, 2018

Geraint Davies, FUW: Scheme is an exciting oppprtunity

A SIX MILLION pounds scheme to develop the next generation of farmers is open for applications, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths announced on May 10.

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.”

Welcoming the scheme, NFU Cymru President, John Davies said: “We very much support this investment by Welsh Government as part of the budget agreement with Plaid Cymru last year. The NFU Cymru Next Generation Group were pleased to meet with the Cabinet Secretary, Lesley Griffiths and Simon Thomas AM last autumn when this new scheme was being developed, therefore we’re very pleased to see a scheme launched by the Welsh Government.

“It is vitally important that we support the next generation in every way possible and this scheme will provide vital investment to allow young farmers to further progress or kick-start their business.

“The future of agriculture is dependent on good young farmers, driving forward innovation and improving competitiveness in each sector, that is why we have a dedicated Next Generation Policy Group, which has been in place since 2015.

“Our 2018-2020 intake of 21 strong members met on Friday, May 11, to discuss the group’s priorities for the future.

“As I travel around Wales I am always encouraged by the number of young enthusiastic individuals wanting to make a career in agriculture, I would encourage anyone with an interest in applying to do so. Whilst there are many uncertainties post-Brexit, there are also great opportunities as we look to meet the challenge of producing great food to the highest health, welfare and environmental standards for a growing global population.”

FUW Younger Voice for Farming Committee chairman Geraint Davies welcomed the news: “The announcement brings exciting opportunities for younger farmers to set up as a head of holding for the first time, to develop their innovation and business resilience or indeed to establish a new business.

“To qualify for the money – which can be used as working capital and will be paid in three instalments up until 31 March 2020 – you will need to meet agreed key performance indicators.

“Applications will initially be scored and ranked according to how they meet the selection criteria and includes the type and structure of the business. Different 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.

“Even though there are some hoops to jump through, it is worth applying if you think you fit the criteria.”

Expressions of interest will be made through RPW Online only and all supporting information must be uploaded when you submit your expression of interest. Failure to do so will mean that your application will not be considered.

Eligible applicants must be under the age of 40 on 1 April 2018 and expressions of interest must be submitted by 12 June.

There will only be one application window.

Crime

Farmer cleared of restraining order breach at Haverfordwest court

Published

1 week ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been found not guilty of breaching a restraining order after being accused of referencing a protected individual in a Facebook post.

Philip Stoddart, 58, of Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 20) to face the charge. The prosecution, led by Ann Griffiths on behalf of the crown, alleged that between December 4 and December 13, 2023, Stoddart made a Facebook post that, by inference, referred to a person he was prohibited from contacting under a restraining order imposed by Swansea Crown Court on April 16, 2021.

The restraining order, issued under Section 360 of the Sentencing Act 2020, barred Stoddart from making any form of contact with her.

Prosecutors argued that the Facebook post constituted a breach of the order, contrary to Section 363 of the same act.

Stoddart denied the allegations and entered a not guilty plea during a prior hearing on October 1, 2024.

Magistrates Professor N. Negus, Mr. J. Steadman, and Mrs. J. Morris presided over the trial, which concluded on Monday.

After reviewing the evidence, the bench found Stoddart not guilty, dismissing the case.

The dismissal brings to a close legal proceedings that had been ongoing for over a year.

Farming

Get up to £5,000 for on-farm trials in Wales

Published

1 week ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FARMERS in Wales are being called to apply for the next round of funding for on-farm trials.

The Farming Connect initiative, which has funded projects such as growing lucerne in Brecon, is inviting applications for the Try Out Fund.

The new application window opens on January 27, 2025, and will run until February 17.

Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund trials that experiment with new ideas on their farms.

The last round of funding supported several projects, including integrated pest management at a pick-your-own strawberry enterprise.

Menna Williams, the Farming Connect project lead, said: “Farming Connect has developed the Try Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment.”

She added: “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.”

The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.

Ms Williams said: “Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100 per cent effort right from the start.”

Projects should focus on enhancing production efficiencies and profitability while ensuring environmental protection through adherence to sustainable land management principles.

A guidance handbook is accessible on the Farming Connect website, providing support for farmers in outlining their projects and completing the application process.

To apply, individuals must be registered with Farming Connect and capable of finishing their projects by January 2026.

Ms Williams explained: “Funding can be used for technical assistance, sampling, testing and other reasonable expenses such as those relating to short-term hire of specialist equipment or facilities directly relating to the project.”

The findings will be shared with other producers in Wales by collaborating with a Farming Connect team member.

Interested parties can apply on the Farming Connect website.

To receive the link or get further information, contact [email protected].

Farming

Funding window to re-open for on-farm trials in Wales

Published

1 week ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WITH Farming Connect-funded trials ranging from growing lucerne in Brecon to establishing sunflowers as a companion crop with maize, farmers are being invited to apply for the next round of funding from the initiative that brought these projects to life.

The new application window for the Try Out Fund opens on 27January2025 and will run until 17 February. Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund on-farm trials that experiment with new ideas. The last round of funding saw farmers supported for several projects including integrated pest management at pick your own strawberry enterprise.

Project lead Menna Williams of Farming Connect said the aim is for farmers to compare different treatments or management systems – the project is not intended to fund new equipment she stressed.

“Farming Connect has developed the Try-Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment,’’ she said. “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.’’

The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.

“Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100% effort right from the start,’’ said Ms Williams.

Suitable projects must aim to improve production efficiencies and profitability whilst protecting the environment by aligning with sustainable land management outcomes. A guidance handbook is available on the Farming Connect website to help farmers scope their project and complete the application form.

Applicants must be registered with Farming Connect and be able to complete their projects by January 2026.