AN Assembly Member has called for new farmers in mid and west Wales to apply for a grant launched by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The Young Entrants Support Scheme (YESS) aims to encourage and support new farmers.
New entrants to farming in the region can access the scheme which has a budget allocation of up to £2m.
The package includes a one off direct aid grant up to a maximum of £15,000; access to a dedicated Young Entrants’ Business Enabler service and mentoring services from established farmers.
Labour Assembly spokesperson for Rural Affairs, Joyce Watson, said: "It is crucial that farmers in mid and west Wales are not dissuaded from the profession by the current economic climate.
"Farming has a massive role to play in rural Wales and this scheme will provide essential funding,
"Evidence suggests that there are between 100 and 200 young entrants taking over the running of farming businesses in Wales each year and we need to improve that significantly.
"I hope this new grant system, introduced by the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government, will help create a dynamic and competitive farming industry in Mid and West Wales."
Further details of the YESS are available at www.wales.gov.uk/farming
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