DEPUTY Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans, has announced that the application process for the final year of the Young Entrants Support Scheme (YESS) is now underway.

Originally programmed to run for five years, a further, and final, sixth year of funding for the popular scheme was announced earlier this year.

This year’s application window is now open and the Deputy Minister said the YESS had more than achieved its aims of attracting new blood into the farming industry and playing its part in helping the agricultural industry move towards being a modern, innovative and forward-thinking sector in Wales.

Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans, said: “I am very proud of the support we have been able to offer to young farmers via our Young Entrants Support Scheme to date. Since its launch the scheme has seen more than 600 young and new entrants benefit from more than £8.1million in financial support and a valuable programme of mentoring and business training.

“The application window is now open and I urge those with an interest in farming to check the eligibility criteria and apply for this excellent support if possible."

The application window for YESS closes on November 28th. In order to apply for support from YESS, farmers must be based in Wales, be under the age of 40 and must either be setting up as head of the holding for the first time, or have set up as head of holding within the previous 12 months.

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.