THE Farmer Network in the north west is to receive a £75,000 boost as part of a scheme that helps grassroots contributors to the rural economy.

The money comes from the Prince's Countryside Fund, and will help the network continue its work in helping young people get a good start in farming.

The Farmer Network, an organisation which supports farmers and farm business in Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales, will use the grant to continue their successful Business Support for Young People programme.

Over the past six years it has helped 76 young people to follow their dream and set up or develop a farming or farming-related business.

Kate Gascoyne, who co-ordinates the Farmer Network project said: “The Prince’s Countryside Fund grant means that the Farmer Network can provide support and business guidance for young people getting a start on their own business in the farming industry.

“The further two years of support will help us continue to aid farm succession and bring new blood into the industry, giving them a stepping-stone and a chance to try out their business skills.”

Tony Clifton, who was not from a farming background completed the programme in 2016. It enabled him to get started in farming in the Yorkshire Dales.

He said: “At 23 I thought the programme sounded like a way of achieving my dream of becoming a farmer in my own right, not just working for others.

“I feel that the course helped me to become more self-reliant and able to adapt - it explained the paperwork and planning that goes with running a business. I also found it helpful talking to others on the course to test out ideas and pick up new ones. I would recommend it to other young people wanting to get on and take opportunities that are out of reach from their present circumstances.”

The Prince’s Countryside Fund awards grants twice a year to local, grassroots organisations, and since 2010 has distributed more than £9 million in funding.

The Fund’s mission is to help ensure a vibrant rural economy with a thriving and resilient farming sector at its heart, and its grant programme is a major focus of activity to achieve this.