It has recently been announced by the Welsh Assembly Government that the Young Entrants Support Scheme application window for the 2015/16 year will open on the 1st September and close on the 30 November 2014.
The Welsh Assembly believe that supporting young farmers is the key factor in sustainable
development of the farming sector.
Carys Williams of Rostons comments that “The scheme provides assistance to young farmers (under 40) who possess adequate skills and competence and as setting up as the Head of Holding for the first time, or have set us as Head of Holding for the first time within the previous 12 months”.
Whilst this scheme has been released for 2015, it is different to that of the Basic Payment Young Entrants Top Up and must be noted that the requirements and criteria are completely separate matters.
Financial assistance is available in the form of a grant payment which is made in arrears upon successful completion of an approved project. The grant will be 50% of the agreed eligible expenditure or a maximum grant of £15,000, whichever is the lower figure.
As part of the application process, the applicant must submit a business development plan as well as completing an assessment and hold a minimum of a National Vocational Qualification in agriculture (or equivalent).
The Rostons Team will be able to assist with applications and it is recommended that should anyone be interested, that an expression of interest is made as soon as possible.