Wales’ first ever Farmstart, developed by Ffynnon Community Resilience, is now open to new applicants, thanks to funding from The National Lottery.

The Farmstart programme supports new entrant farmers to develop their ideas into a sustainable business.

Successful applicants are given access to land, shared machinery, and expertise over the year-long support scheme.

Jo Denham, Ffynnon Farmstart Mentor, said: “The Ffynnon Farmstart scheme is designed to help people overcome the barriers to becoming new farmers, growers, and producers.

“We provide land, machinery, tailored support and training for specific enterprises, and support with routes to market.

“In times of rising food prices and increasing climate uncertainty, we need more people than ever to be upskilling and contributing to food security in Wales, whilst learning how to manage land in ways that sustain and increase its resilience to climate extremes.

“In the past, we’ve supported: regenerative cattle; vermicomposting; native tree nursery; dairy goats; Christmas geese-raising; and bee products. We are keen to support a wide range of enterprises again, including those interested in horticulture such as market gardening or commercial fruit.

Zoe Hope, Ffynnon Director, added: “We have a fantastic farming community in West Wales, but climate change brings new challenges that might require more diversity of farming enterprises.

“Ffynnon wants to see a strengthened rural community full of diverse, sustainable businesses producing all kinds of food. After a drought summer like the one we’ve just experienced, we can see that innovative and resilient agricultural approaches will help provide food in Wales long into an uncertain future.”

Applications are open now and close on Friday, 16 October with the Farmstart programme starting on 1 November.

To apply or for more information on what the scheme can offer, contact ([email protected])