Farming entrants support scheme begins pilot stage in England

Free business support for new farming enterprises is being provided through the pilot phase of Defra’s New Entrant Support Scheme.

The pilot phase is now under way in the West Midlands, North East and south of England.

It is due to run until later this spring and will be used by Defra to help new entrants learn how to develop resilient farm businesses and access the land and finance required.

See also: Funding and support for young farmers round the world

The scheme is due to be developed later in the year following the pilot, before a larger rollout is launched across England.

Up to 200 applicants are involved in the pilot, which is open to new entrants of any age. Support is also available to scale up farm businesses that have been operating for less than 10 years.

Support providers

Harper Adams University, School for Social Entrepreneurs, The Landworkers’ Alliance and Shared Assets have been selected as the four providers of the pilot phase.

Defra said these providers will offer tactical support to young businesses through the early stages of development, nurturing would-be entrepreneurs to further develop a business idea and fostering innovation and growth.

Each provider will offer slightly different services, but most will provide the course during evenings and weekends, and much of the activities can be carried out online.

The Harper Adams New Entrants Incubator Pilot is providing successful applicants with the opportunity to meet and work with key stakeholders and professionals from across the Midlands.

The course will include a two-day residential stay at the University, as well as workshops, field trips, presentations, and events.

The Landworkers’ Alliance is providing up to 16 hours of one-to-one coaching relating to the participants’ businesses from an experienced farmer, food producer or business person, as part of its offering.

Government backing

Speaking at a Farmers Weekly Question Time event on 3 February, Defra minister Mark Spencer said: “We are working to try to get these pilots up and running and explore ways we can help.

“If there was ever a moment in history where we need young, bright people to come into our sector, this is it,” said Mr Spencer.

“I do not diminish the size of the challenge – it is huge,” he added.