South Down Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard has welcomed the opportunity presented to young farmers as a result of the recent decisions made on CAP reform.
Mr Hazzard was speaking after DARD officials confirmed that approximately 3500 people have enrolled on the Level 2 course which is required for entrance to the Young Farmers Scheme (YFS).
“This is good news for the industry and evidence that young people are seeing agriculture as a serious career option,” he explained. “The YFS offers the added incentive of a 25% ‘top up’ to the basic payment for those who qualify and is limited to 90ha.
“It is important for applicants to note that in order to qualify they must be under 40 years of age during the full calendar year in which they apply and must be the head of a holding for no more than 5 years. The officials confirmed that as head of a holding they must be in a ‘controlling position’ in the farm business.
“Importantly, this is not a one-off scheme for 2015 but will remain open in future years.xa0The introduction of the YFS combined with substantial funding for the farm business improvement scheme has opened the door for many young people considering farming as a career choice.
“This is great news for our industry and good for sustaining our rural communities.”
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