Commenting on the Welsh government’s written ministerial statement on Young Farmers Clubs which confirms funding from both Natural Resources Wales and the National Youth Voluntary Organisations Fund will cease – and announces the development of a 5-year business plan, created between Wales YFC and civil servants – Montgomeryshire AM and Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Russell George AM, said:
“The loss of these grants was effectively a hugely damaging welsh government cut to the vastly important Wales YFC. Everyone involved deserved better.
“I called for a comprehensive rethink and I am pleased that the minister will at least work with the organisation on a sustainable way forward.
“It is absolutely crucial that the beneficial education programmes run by Wales YFC do not face the axe. At a time when we should be engaging with young people in rural communities and supporting them into farming, Labour should be doing all it can to help and support the YFC.
“I will now work with the minister and urge her to ensure as much support is available as possible.”