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Sara Jenkins, who won the chance to rent a farm for 15 years on Channel 4’s Our Dream Farm, is advocating for more support to encourage young people to pursue agriculture. The 28-year-old winner expressed her belief that there are limited opportunities for individuals her age and younger to access land, emphasizing the need for greater initiatives to attract youth to the industry. This sentiment aligns with a recent report that highlighted the “significant barriers” facing young farmers, shedding light on the aging workforce within the agricultural sector.
Following their victory on the show, Sara and her partner Ioan Jones secured tenancy of the National Trust’s Llyndy Isaf, a 613-acre farm in Eryri national park. Despite challenges in securing farmland in the past, the couple is grateful for the opportunity and plans to make the most of their 15-year tenancy. Sara noted that high land prices have made renting a farm the most viable option, pointing to the impact of large corporations purchasing land for carbon offset purposes.
Acknowledging the uncertainties and risks associated with starting a farming business, Sara emphasized the importance of governmental support for young farmers. She mentioned the need for Cardiff and Westminster to consider the challenges facing the industry, particularly in light of recent protests and discontent that may deter aspiring farmers. Despite current obstacles, Sara remains optimistic about the future value of British food and the essential role of farmers in the nation’s food security.
At the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) presented a report containing 40 recommendations to attract and retain young talent in agriculture. With concerns about the industry’s aging demographic, the union stressed the necessity of fostering new generations of farmers to sustain food security and address environmental issues. Teleri Fielden, a policy officer at FUW, expressed concerns about the lack of succession planning and the need for greater support for young farmers, urging existing farmers to provide mentoring and assistance to the next generation
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