The future of the farming industry and how it can support the development of young farmers to ensure a prosperous future was discussed at a recent meeting between Farmers’ Union of Wales officials and Wales YFC staff.
Challenges such as CAP and bovine TB plus ways to help young people in rural Wales become more active in their community to establish vibrant rural businesses were considered.
A key area for the YFC movement is educating children from primary school age about the endless opportunities that rural life can offer as well as educating youngsters about the farming industry.
The FUW is fully supportive of the YFC 2050 goal of ensuring every child in Wales undertakes a farm visit whilst in primary school.
FUW president Emyr Jones said: “Once again we had an excellent meeting with Wales YFC and it is good to hear about some of the new initiatives it has planned.
"The work the federation has done so far with the lamb initiative must be recognised as a great step forward for young farmers and the union is, of course, supportive of any similar future ventures."
The Wales YFC lamb initiative works in partnership with Dunbia and Sainsbury’s and gives YFC members the opportunity to supply Welsh lamb to Sainsbury’s stores in Wales, all year round.
The initiative is open to members and associate members aged 16 to 40.
“Education and business opportunities are vital for our young people and I was glad to talk about the success of the Llyndy Isaf Farm scholarship which Wales YFC runs,” added Mr Jones.
"I can only encourage those eligible to make sure that they apply for the scholarship and attend the open days in March and April."
The Llyndy Isaf Farm scholarship is a partnership between Wales YFC and National Trust Eryri which gives a YFC member the chance to live and run their own farm for a whole year.
The scholarship gives someone the opportunity to become skilled at decision-making, business management and animal husbandry.
Llyndy Isaf is a 614-acre upland livestock unit in the Nant Gwynant Valley in Snowdonia.
[caption id="attachment_2753" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
From left: Wales YFC chief executive Nia Lloyd, FUW senior policy officer Hazel Wright, Wales YFC rural affairs vice chairman Ceri Davies, Wales YFC rural development officer Sarah Price, Wales YFC rural affairs chairman Iwan Thomas, FUW president Emyr Jones, Wales YFC vice chairman Iwan Meirion and Wales YFC chairman Kate Miles.[/caption]