Funds unlock project to help future hill farmers

The Farmer Network has successfully applied for a sum of £45,898 from the Prince’s Countryside Fund to run a scheme aimed specifically at nurturing the enthusiasm and talents of 12 young farmers across the Dales and Cumbria.

The new ‘Skills Development for Young Hill Farmers’ project is one of a dozen across rural areas of the UK to receive a share of £575,000 awarded this month by the Prince’s Countryside Fund, which has now supported more than 52,000 people since it was set up in 2010.

Fund manager Victoria Elms said: “In the next 50 years we will have to produce more food than we have in the last 10,000, and we hope that educating children in sustainable food and drink production, giving young people the skills and training needed to continue rural careers and investing in the viability of farm businesses will go a long way to achieving that.”

The Farmer Network’s new scheme, which starts this spring, will give young hill farmers the chance to work on other hill farms to help them gain skills and experience working outside the family environment.

By broadening their abilities, the young farmers will be better equipped to run their own farms and to work for other farmers on a self-employed basis.

Aside from arranging work experience, the scheme will include a bursary for young farmers to obtain training for both statutory certificates, such as ATV and tractor driving, and courses designed to develop their proficiency in the likes of walling and sheep dog handling.

A web-based labour directory is also planned to give young farmers a platform to market their skills to local farmers.

Veronica Waller, project leader at the Farmer Network, said: “We want to develop the skills of young farmers who may be in a position to take over their family hill farm and help them find additional income by offering their skills to other hill farmers in the area.

“We would like to hear from young farmers interested in being part of the project and from hill farmers interested in providing work for one or two days a week.”

Individuals interested in the Farmer Network’s latest project should call 01768 868615.