Young farmers see ‘opportunities’

YOUNG FARMERS in Wales, who see opportunities opening for the next generation under the mid-term review, have one request – to encourage farming to move forward from the ‘Land of my fathers‘ to ‘Land of their sons‘.

Cffi YFC chairman Simon Evans told FARMERS WEEKLY politicians had sought and welcomed input on future changes to policy from the movement.

“We feel confident that this new era for farming will open up opportunities for young farmers to farm in their own right.”

With the current generation of farmers taking up entitlements, young farmers hope that will allow some to step back from day-to-day farming and hand responsibility to the next generation, explained Mr Evans.

“We see share-farming offering a big opportunity in future,” he said.

The movement hopes to hold a dedicated conference this autumn using advisers to highlight the pros and cons to members.

Cffi YFC would also like to see low-rate finance and tax breaks for new entrants struggling to get a foothold on farming‘s ladder.

An issue that must be resolved in Wales – also faced by producers elsewhere – is the rising age of farmers, said Dai Davies, Cffi YFC‘s rural affairs committee chairman.

“We still have many family farms where grandfather, father and son farm alongside each other.

“But the younger generations haven‘t had the opportunity to take on the full responsibility for the business.

“It‘s important that responsibility is handed down earlier rather than later – not when grandfather retires and the son is in his 50s.

“We need to have the experience of being responsible for filling in the paperwork, for managing finances, for seeking out new opportunities,” said Mr Davies.

The movement continues to progress with almost 6000 members, explained Mr Evans.

“We are constantly having to adapt to changes in rural areas by listening to members and adapting to their needs.”

For example, training for older members is now a major driver.

“But we still continue to play an important social role in rural communities attracting members from farming and non-farming backgrounds,” he said.

Cffi YFC had a large presence at this year‘s Royal Welsh Show which ended on Thurs (Jul 22).

Total gate figures were just under 230,000 which is one of the highest attendance figures ever.