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<p>Having a skilled workforce in place, attracting new talent and ensuring there are
opportunities to enter and progress through the farming sector is vital for the future
of UK food and farming. The Government recognises there are barriers facing young
new entrants to get started in farming including the high cost of land and access
to finance.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is exploring the range of different farm
business models that can open up opportunities for new entrants such as agricultural
tenancies, share-farming, contract farming, franchise farming and joint ventures.
These business models can provide young new farmers with an opportunity to gain experience
and build up capital to progress their careers in farming.</p><p> </p><p>The Government
is currently providing additional support for young new entrants into farming through
the EU Basic Payment Scheme where eligible farmers aged between 18 and 40 can claim
a 25% uplift on up to 90 hectares of their Basic Payment Scheme payments for up to
five years after they have started in business.</p><p> </p><p>Support is also provided
through EU Rural Development Programme schemes including the Growth Programme and
LEADER providing help for rural entrepreneurs including farmers setting up a new business
or expanding or improving an existing business. In addition the Countryside Productivity
scheme provides support to help increase productivity and enhance the competitiveness
of farming and forestry industries. Defra also provides grant support to the National
Federation of Young Farmers Clubs to provide training opportunities for young farmers
and we are working with the Food and Drink Federation to treble the number of apprenticeships
across the sector.</p><p> </p><p>Whilst the UK is a member of the EU these funding
streams will remain in place and Defra continues to engage with young farmers to help
shape our future plans for UK agricultural policy outside of the EU.</p><p> </p><p>
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