A Young Persons Policy for Agriculture 2003

Introduction:

Since publishing the initial document in February 2001, progress has been achieved in particular with the publication of the Welsh Assembly Government Document, ‘Farming for the Future’ that outlines the need to assist and support young farmers. The delivery of which has mainly occurred through the ‘Farming Connect Scheme’ a radical new scheme that aims to deliver a cohesive programme of assistance and support to farmers in order to enhance business efficiency and improve the viability of Welsh family farms. It is pleasing to note that the majority of Welsh farmers participating in the scheme are young farmers under the age of 40 years, this may well be due in part to the higher grant rates being offered to young farmers but the terms and conditions of the scheme that insist that the young farmer in order to qualify has to be a partner or the sole trader of the business is slowly ensuring that the current ageing population of the farming community, average age being 59, is being addressed.

Since the launch of the initial document, economic pressures have continued to result in fewer farm holdings as farms have grown in size to remain viable. Foot and Mouth disease and the resulting restrictions since 2001 have also accentuated the financial difficulties for the farming community. The consequence is that there are fewer people working the land and with few economic opportunities in rural areas, a large number of those leaving the countryside are young people. The issue is also further complicated due to a range of other factors listed below, that also make it difficult for young people to enter the industry:

• Quota – the implications of the CAP (Mid Term Review)
• High price of Land
• Cost of Machinery / Equipment
• Cost of Farm Improvements
• The complexity of transferring ‘IACS’
• The general legal complexity of transferring ownership of the holding
• The low number of farmers who retire or leave the business when 65 years of age
• The lack of tenancy farms that are available
• The lack of equity with young farmers