According to a survey by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and the Farming Community Network, young farmers are concerned about low incomes and an inability to save for the future. The survey results mark the launch of a new NFYFC campaign, called Rural+, aimed at highlighting the unique challenges faced by young people living in rural areas in the UK.
The survey asked young people with a farming background about their hopes for the future and, among the major concerns highlighted, were the limited opportunities for them to start farming (32%) and the lack of rural housing (55%).
In addition to rural challenges, young farmers also share the same concerns felt by young people more generally – such as low self esteem and concerns about body image (47% and 45% respectively). The majority of respondents were aged between 16 and 25 years old.
The survey also revealed young farmers were concerned about:
• Poor returns from farming (58%)
• Animal diseases such as bTB, Schmallenberg virus (59%)
• Uncertainty of future farming profitability (54%)
• Limited rural employment opportunities (41%)
• Lack of capital/availability of finance (41%) and high land rents (45%)
• Low income (50%) and inability to save (45%).
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