The Farmer Network is urging young people who are passionate about starting or developing their own farming-related business, within Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales, to get in touch.

The Farmer Network operating in Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales has always recognised the importance of supporting young people to enter the farming industry. One of the Network’s flagship projects over the last 7 years has been Business Support for Young People. Funded and supported by The Prince’s Trust and The Prince’s Countryside Fund, 90 young people have benefitted from the support, many of which gone on to start their own farming - related business.

The scheme is offered to 18- 30 year olds who have a farm- related business idea but are limited by the resources or opportunities available to them. It comprises a short course on the basics of business planning, one to one support from an experienced farm business adviser and the chance to apply for a low interest loan and training grant, plus ongoing support from a volunteer business mentor.

Now the Farmer Network is calling for any young people with such an idea to come forward. An ‘Explore Enterprise’ session is planned in the near future as a first step in looking at a new business venture.

Kate Gascoyne has project managed the scheme for several years. She says “I know there are young people out there working on farms or involved in the industry who see an opportunity to create their own business but perhaps don’t know how to. It is these people we would like to offer support to. Many times we have heard the phrase ‘make a dream come true’ and we encourage young people with an agribusiness idea to get in touch to see how we can help”.

“A vast range of new businesses have been supported across Cumbria and The Yorkshire Dales. These include brand new beef and sheep enterprises, agricultural engineering and repairs businesses, sheep contracting services, cheese production from home produced milk, commercial duck egg production”.

To find out more about how people have benefitted from the scheme, go to the Farmer Network website https://www.thefarmernetwork.co.uk/projects/business-support-for-young-people/

Young People who are passionate about starting or developing their own farming-related business, within Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales, should contact Kate Gascoyne at The Farmer Network for a chat on 01768 881462, Mobile 07548934282 or E mail: kate@thefarmernetwork.co.uk