Defra to end Young Farmers' discretionary grant funding

A grant used to support the development of young farmers is not going to be renewed to the disappointment of politicians, rural clubs and the wider farming sector alike.

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 this year, which has helped to support the development and training of young farmers.

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Shadow Farming Minister Robbie Moore had told his social media followers on Wednesday (September 3) that he was 'appalled' to hear that Defra was planning to 'pull' a grant to support the work of NFYFC. 

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.

In the grand scheme of things the NFYFC costs Government a tiny sum, but makes a massive difference…

— Robbie Moore MP (@_RobbieMoore) September 3, 2025

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."

However, Defra has denied the claim from NFYFC that funding is going to be stopped, but added it could change depending on the Government's future spending decisions.

"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 helps restore nature in an uncertain world."

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