Addington Fund offers £3,000 grants to new farm entrants

Funding of up to £3,000 is available for new entrants to farming aged between 18 and 40, as part of an initiative launched by the Addington Fund.

Eligible applicants must be about to begin farming or have started farming in the past two years, and be based in England or Wales.

The farming charity is initially making a total funding pot of £100,000 available, with support focusing on healthy livestock management and sustainable farming practices, such as improving soil quality.

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Grants are available for soil analysis, livestock health planning, shearing, livestock monitoring cameras, mobile fencing equipment, and animal health products such as wormers and vaccinations.

It may also be used alongside Defra’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund.

The New Entrant Grant Scheme has been established in honour of Peter Jinman OBE, who chaired the Addington Fund from 2011 until 2023.

New farm tenancy

The Addington Fund is also inviting applications next year for a farm tenancy at Whins Farm in Cumbria.

Owner Mary Blades left the farm in her will, expressing a wish for it to be sold to an enthusiastic young farmer. However, after no buyer was found, the Addington Fund stepped in to buy it.

It is currently undergoing a renovation which is due to be completed by the end of 2026.

Simon Mountjoy, chairman of trustees at the Addington Fund, said: “This is a big and exciting investment for any charity, but we see the problems that young people face getting into farming and this is our first small step to help.

“This will be more than a landlord-tenant relationship, and we will support our new tenants to give them the best start in farming.”

King’s Foundation programme

In Scotland, the King’s Foundation has opened applications for its Introduction to Farming and Rural Skills programme.

Successful applicants will take part in a free seven-week course based at the MacRobert Rural Skills Centre on the Dumfries House Estate in Ayrshire.

The programme is designed for new entrants to farming and will include practical topics such as livestock handling, feeding, and fencing, as well as an on-farm placement.

Jacqueline Farrell, education director at the King’s Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be launching our Introduction to Farming and Rural Skills programme, designed to open doors for people who may never have considered a future in agriculture.

“We would love to hear from farms and estates across Scotland that might be interested in hosting one of our students on a work placement in the future – especially if they are actively recruiting for staff.”

Applications will remain open until Monday 22 September, and shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview the following week.