!["In the grand scheme of things, the NFYFC costs Government a tiny sum, but [it] makes a massive difference not just for Young Farmers, but all young people interested in agriculture and the countryside."](https://image.chitra.live/api/v1/wps/f9bc4f2/70cdde71-2f9c-4196-be66-d77574f6f19b/25/p6-Defra-office-roi-3-679x419.jpg "\"In the grand scheme of things, the NFYFC costs Government a tiny sum, but [it] makes a massive difference not just for Young Farmers, but all young people interested in agriculture and the countryside.\"")
"In the grand scheme of things, the NFYFC costs Government a tiny sum, but [it] makes a massive difference not just for Young Farmers, but all young people interested in agriculture and the countryside."
Concerns have been raised that a grant used to support the development of young farmers will not be renewed.
The National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC) said Defra will not renew a discretionary grant, a form of financial assistance where the awarding body exercises judgment, beyond March 26, which has helped to support the development and training of young farmers.
However, Defra claims no decision has been made and claims to the contrary are 'false'.
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Shadow Farming Minister Robbie Moore said he was 'appalled' to hear reports that Defra is planning to 'pull' a grant to support the work of NFYFC on Wednesday (September 3).
Hearing reports that on the day the Prime Minister said at PMQs he "would work with" Young Farmers, DEFRA are pulling the grant to the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs.
— Robbie Moore MP (@_RobbieMoore) September 3, 2025
In the grand scheme of things the NFYFC costs Government a tiny sum, but makes a massive difference…
Just hours before, Sir Keir Starmer said he was keen to work with young farmers in the development of the Government's '25-year roadmap', to help the sector be more profitable, when asked about reversing Inheritance Tax changes during Prime Minister's Questions.
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Dedicated to young people who have a 'love for agriculture and rural life', NFYFC said it was disappointed to learn in July that Defra's funding would not be extended.
Disappointment
"Although we are disappointed that, after more than 30 years, Defra will not be renewing its discretionary funding, NFYFC remains an active stakeholder, representing the views of our members and the next generation," a spokesperson added.
"The small grant enabled NFYFC to work closely with Defra to make emerging policy tangible for the next generation and deliver innovative training, events, resources and research projects, which remain available in our Knowledge Hub.
"Everyone recognises these are challenging times for the industry, and we are actively seeking alternative sources of support to benefit young farmers.
"We remain proud of the work we have achieved over many years with the help of the Defra grant, and we hope that future opportunities for support will allow us to continue making a positive difference to young farmers."
The Shadow Farming Minister said it was 'outrageous' that the grant had been 'pulled'.
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"In the grand scheme of things, the NFYFC costs Government a tiny sum, but [it] makes a massive difference not just for Young Farmers, but all young people interested in agriculture and the countryside," he added.
"This is a grant that has been given for 30 years to benefit the next generation who will look after our countryside and produce food for the nation.
"Labour are not just going after farming businesses, and those older farmers fearing Inheritance Tax, they are coming for the next generation as well.
"Labour's attack on our farming community continues. It is simply vindictive and outrageous."
Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael said Young Farmers should be awarded with 'greater funding' in light of the claims that Defra is pulling the plug on a grant fund supporting NFYFC.
"If the reports are true – and I recognise this funding was only for Young Farmer groups covering England and Wales – it would be a complete own-goal by Defra," Mr Carmichael added.
"The minimal support given by central Government is the definition of value for money.
"Young Farmers are part of the bedrock of rural communities such as our own in the Northern Isles.
"They create support networks, improve mental health and connect farmers to the wider community.
"Whether they have a direct link to farming or not, everyone in the isles knows the importance of these groups – and almost everyone will have been to a Young Farmers event at some point.
"Defra should make clear where they stand – we need more support for Young Farmers groups in all corners of the UK, not less."
Defra has denied the claim from NFYFC that funding is going to be stopped.
However, the Government has not confirmed nor denied, when asked on at least two occasions by Farmers Guardian, if a grant renewal meeting had taken place in July with NFYFC regarding funds no longer being available to support the grant past March 2026.
"No decisions on funding have been made yet and to suggest otherwise is false," a spokesperson added.
"We have provided £30,000 to support the important work of the NFYFC in the 2025/2026 financial year.
"We are working with the farmers to build a more profitable farming system with food production at its core and help restore nature in an uncertain world."
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