More support needed for '˜Generation Y' farmers

'Millennial' farmers facing serious, unnecessary challenges should be better supported to help the industry face the volatility of the post-Brexit world in dynamic and innovative ways, claims a report out today.

Royal Bank of Scotland said the country's young farmers hold 'huge economic potential'. Picture: Contributed

The report, produced for Royal Bank of Scotland, reveals that not only is the number of youngsters entering the industry falling, but those already in the sector are struggling to grow and diversify their farms.

Drawn up by an independent economic analyst, the report calls for a more joined-up approach to the prevailing framework and calls on governments, the farming sector and financial institutions to take steps to ensure that this economic potential doesn’t remain untapped.

The report is based on a study of more than 500 young and potential new entrant farmers in Britain – and while it highlights the usual barriers facing the industry’s Generation Y, it also claims they hold a “huge economic potential” and are driving significant enterprise trends in the sector.

200 Voices: find out more about the people who have shaped Scotland

It says almost 20,000 new diversification projects could be delivered by the industry’s young entrepreneurs, generating £11,900 in additional income per farm.

Ian Burrow, head of agriculture at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Banks, government, families, and communities need to come together to ensure today’s young farmers receive the support they deserve.”

He said that the lender would ensure that its free business accelerator network would be available to farming and rural businesses and that it would improve access to entrepreneurial communities through remote and virtual hubs.

Click here to ‘Like’ The Scotsman Business on Facebook