Welsh Government
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YESS scheme 2012-13 application window open
This will be the third year of the YESS scheme which provides support for new entrants to farming under the age of 40 who are setting up as head of the holding for the first time, or who have set-up as head of holding within the previous year.
The assistance package available under the scheme includes:
- a one off grant payment for capital expenses incurred in setting-up as head of holding;
- access to a dedicated Young Entrants’ Business Enabler Service, for advice on training, knowledge transfer and joint venture opportunities; and
- access to funded mentoring services from established farmers.
One farmer who has benefitted from the scheme is Sion Williams of Beilificer Farm, Llansawel in Llandeilo who, along with his wife Claire, has secured a private farm tenancy. The YESS grant has enabled Sion who was previously a dairy farm manager in Carmarthenshire, to re-seed 75 acres of pasture land and buy the necessary equipment to increase ewe numbers to 1000.
Sion said:
“I have always wanted to run my own farm and accessing the YESS scheme, has enabled me to invest more of my own finance in the purchase of livestock. I have used the £15,000 YESS grant to invest in the land to enhance productivity and the purchase of necessary equipment required to farm at an efficient and profitable level.
“As somebody who is running my own business for the first time, I have found the mentoring support really beneficial. I can now develop the farm over the coming years and hopefully secure a profitable business should my little boy want to become a farmer in the future”
The Deputy Minister said:
“The YESS scheme is one of the fundamental building blocks of the Welsh Government’s policy for creating a successful future for the agricultural industry. It has proved to be very successful so far and interest in the scheme from potential applicants continues to be strong so it is excellent news that we are able to run the scheme for another year and help more young people get a foot on the farming ladder.
“Sion is an excellent example of how the scheme can assist young farmers. I hope the scheme will continue to help many more and ensure a successful future for farming in Wales”
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