Twenty thousands pounds has been awarded to the Scottish Association of Young Farmers (SAYFC) to help promote careers in farming.
The funding, which was unveiled by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing, will be used to create a peer support network in rural communities to support Scotland’s young farmers.
The network will complement existing careers advice for youngsters to that more choose subjects and courses at school and beyond that lead them down a career path in farming and food production.
In addition the network will provide mentoring and buddying for young people taking on or starting a farm, as well as feeding into existing activities which explain routes into the food and farming sectors.
Mr Ewing said the latest round of funding was in addition to nearly £10.5million already committed to organisations such as the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), Lantra and SRUC, to encourage more young people into agriculture.
“With the average age of our farmers now at 58, it is vital that we continue to explore all possible ways to encourage and support more of our young people to choose a career in farming and food production, to ensure that we can continue to drive forward Scotland’s rural economy,” said Mr Ewing.
SAYFC rural and agri affairs chairman, Sarah Allison, said welcomed the funding allocation.
She said: “It is testimony to the hard work of SAYFC staff and members who have worked hard to promote SAYFC as an organisation who can lead the way for young people starting out on the agricultural pathway and we look forward to working with Scottish Government on implementing this project.”
The latest round of funding is in addition to a £30,000 grant given to SAYFC earlier this year by the government’s agricultural and rural affairs department.
The previous grant monies are being used by SAYFC to run an agricultural and business training programme for young farmers, called Cultivating Futures.
Launched at the Highland Show, the scheme provides access to affordable training to those who did not go to college or university.
Practical training for the scheme, including forklift training and sprayer tests, is supported by Tayforth, Borders and Highland machinery rings. Business and efficiency training is also offered covering topics such as budgeting, managing cash flows, writing a business plan and understanding the value of good nutrition management.
The online portal for the scheme, known as The Hub, provides youngsters with information about the sector including events, a training directory and any job vacancies.
