NFYFC £10m social value revealed as funding at risk

As National Young Farmers’ Week 2025 (6-10 October) begins, the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) has revealed it generates more than £10m in social value for people and communities.

This comes at a time when its future government funding is under threat.

A new report shows that for every £1 NFYFC invests, Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFCs) return £4.51 in social good, with an overall social return on investment (SROI) of £10,024,953 in 2024.

The figure, calculated using the accredited Social Value Engine by Rose Regeneration, reflects the impact of NFYFC’s £1.2m expenditure and nearly £1m in member volunteering.

See also: Defra June meeting reveals NFYFC grant threat

NFYFC chair of council James Nixey said: “Our social return on investment figure demonstrates the achievements of our YFCs across England and Wales and the impressive impact they have on rural young people’s lives.”

He added: “NFYFC depends on its volunteers to run the activities that our 23,000 members enjoy every week, and it is incredible to see the value of the impact they are making.

“It’s clear how YFC Makes a Difference to thousands of lives and this National Young Farmers’ Week we hope that even more young people will discover their local club and be part of such a positive organisation that delivers social good to so many.”

YFC Boot Print campaign

The announcement launches the new YFC Boot Print campaign – a seven-year programme of “acts of kindness” ahead of NFYFC’s 100th anniversary in 2032.

Clubs will record positive contributions to rural communities, from mental health support to environmental action.

But the celebration is clouded by revelations that NFYFC’s long-standing Defra grant – worth about £30,000 per annum – is at risk, following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

But the department says no decisions have been made on future funding.

Wellbeing impact

NFYFC’s impact aligns with key UN Sustainable Development Goals, including £6.6m in “Good Health and Wellbeing” and £3m in “Decent Work and Economic Growth”.

Nearly 94% of members report improved mental wellbeing, and 89% say their confidence in public speaking has increased.

To kick-start the campaign, YFCs have been encouraged to create scarecrow scenes in their communities for National Young Farmers’ Week to promote the positive work of YFC.

TV presenter and former NFYFC president Matt Baker will be judging entries.

He said: “National Young Farmers’ Week is a fantastic opportunity to promote how Young Farmers’ Clubs make a difference in our rural communities.

“Building a scarecrow scene is a brilliant way to make an impact as, like young farmers, scarecrows are truly iconic characters of our countryside.”