Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Paragraph: 57
The future of farming in Wales depends on the viability of career options for younger...
Recommendation
The future of farming in Wales depends on the viability of career options for younger generations to come through. We call on the UK and Welsh governments to work closely together to support and encourage new entrants; for example, respecting the role of both freeholder and tenant and the different attitudes to risk, revenue, capital, returns on investment, profit and public goods. This might translate into loan and grants for (capital) purchase and improvements such as land management or environmental sustainability. It might also translate into payments (revenue) for other public goods such as cultural preservation and community strength.
Paragraph Reference:
57
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Attracting new talent into food and farming is vital for a sustainable and productive agriculture sector in England. As set out in the Agricultural Transition Plan 2021–2024, this Government will provide funding to create lasting opportunities for new entrants in England to access land, infrastructure and support to establish successful and innovative businesses. The new entrant scheme is being developed through a consultative co-design process with stakeholders, including representatives of local authorities with council farm estates, new entrants, providers of innovation support, cooperative and community land organisations and private landowners. As part of this process, we have been engaging with Welsh Government officials to learn lessons from previous young entrant support schemes in Wales, as well as support currently delivered to new entrants through Farming Connect. In January 2022, the Secretary of State for DEFRA announced plans for pilot incubators to support new entrants to trial some of the solutions emerging from the co-design process. The details of these pilots are being worked up, with the aim to launch the pilot scheme this year. These pilots will explore how the chances of new entrants accessing land and finance can be improved, and providers of land and finance will be closely engaged in the pilots. Following these pilots, we will consider whether there is a rationale for Government to provide capital grants for new entrants. The UK Government will share information about the operation of the scheme with the Welsh Government as the scheme progresses.