Scottish YFC loses £66,000 government grant

The Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC) has said it faces a difficult financial period following a decision by the Scottish government to withdraw financial support.

Scotland’s largest rural youth organisation said the loss of an annual grant of £66,000, paid by the department for children and young people, will reduce its annual income by 13%.

It will be the first time in nearly 70 years that SAYFC will receive no financial support from the Scottish government.

Chief executive Penny Montgomerie commented: “We are disappointed that the Scottish government has taken this decision to no longer support SAYFC.

“The association offers a crucial network for many young people in rural Scotland as well as unique personal development opportunities. The association is currently growing from strength to strength with membership now higher than it has been since 1998.”

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She added: “Looking to the future we are optimistic that although there are tough financial times ahead, we will continue to focus on ensuring we can develop member services, and have a relevant organisation that youth in rural Scotland want to be part of.”

Speaking to Farmers Weekly, Ms Montgomerie said the organisation was hoping to generate extra income by continuing to increase membership numbers and by strengthening its relationships with its supporters.

The loss of the funding meant SAYFC would operate at a loss for the next two years, but she hoped by year three the organisation would be back in the black, without the need to implement any significant increase in membership fees.

The SAYFC has more than 3,500 members aged between 14 and 30 across Scotland.

A spokesman from the Scottish government said: “We value the work of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs and are committed to helping to increase opportunities for young farmers.

“Ministers will be inviting SAYFC leaders to meet to discuss how the Scottish government can help support their good work in light of the panel’s decision in relation to their application for youth work funding.”