The YESS scheme application window for the 2010/11 scheme year will open for applications on 4th January 2010 and close on 28 February 2010.

Speaking about the opening of the application window, the Minister said:

“I’m pleased to be able to announce the application window dates for the first year of the new Young Entrants Support Scheme.  The scheme will open for applications on 4 January 2010 and application forms and guidance for applicants are available on the Welsh Assembly Government website from today, 30 November.

“This delivers on the Welsh Assembly Government’s One Wales commitment to introduce a scheme to support young entrants to farming and compliments the assistance already available to young entrants through the Farming Connect service.  This scheme alone will not solve the issue of getting our young people back into the farming industry, but will hopefully create an impetus to address the situation.

“My commitment to helping our young people will not waver and I hope that the industry will also continue to look into ways of encouraging young entrants into farming and support the scheme by coming forward to register as mentors.  The opening of this scheme is not the end of this process but merely a step on the path to creating a more sustainable industry for future.”

The YESS scheme provides assistance to facilitate the establishment of young farmers (under 40) who possess adequate skills and competence and are setting-up as head of the holding for the first time or have set-up as head of holding for the first time within the previous 12 months.

Anyone requiring further information about the YESS scheme, or unable to access documents online, can contact the Welsh Assembly Government by email at youngentrantstofarming@wales.gsi.gov.uk or write to YESS scheme, Sustainable Farming Branch, Welsh Assembly Government, Rhodfa Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3UR.