David Chadwick MP Opposes Government Threat to Young Farmers’ Funding
David Chadwick, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, has urged the Labour UK Government to reverse proposed cuts to the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) grant.
For more than 30 years, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has provided vital funding to NFYFC (one of the UK’s largest rural youth organisations), representing over 580 clubs and 28,000 members.
NFYFC plays a key role in education, training, and community engagement, helping young people aged 10 to 28 build skills, leadership, and a strong connection to farming and rural life.
However, it is now feared that Labour intends not to renew the grant, with some reports suggesting the decision has already been made to cut the grant.
So far, only £30,000 has been allocated for 2025/26, with no clarity from the Government on whether future funding will be completely withdrawn. The potential loss of support puts NFYFC’s training programmes, events, and resources, which are essential to the next generation of British farmers at risk.
In response, David Chadwick MP has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on Ministers to reconsider. The motion has already secured cross-party backing, reflecting widespread concern across Parliament about the consequences of cutting this low-cost but high-impact grant.
Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said:
“It is a disgrace that the end of the NFYFC grant is even being considered.
“This funding underpins the opportunities, training, and support that our young farmers rely on. Removing it would not only undermine the future of British farming but also jeopardise NFYFC’s vital relationship with DEFRA.
“This Labour Government seems intent on waging a war on the countryside driven by ideology; they need to wake up and realise if they want economic growth, they need to support rural communities, not pull the rug out from under them.
“I will continue to push back against these cuts and stand firmly with our young farmers.”
ENDS
David Chadwick, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, has urged the Labour UK Government to reverse proposed cuts to the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) grant.
For more than 30 years, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has provided vital funding to NFYFC (one of the UK’s largest rural youth organisations), representing over 580 clubs and 28,000 members.
NFYFC plays a key role in education, training, and community engagement, helping young people aged 10 to 28 build skills, leadership, and a strong connection to farming and rural life.
However, it is now feared that Labour intends not to renew the grant, with some reports suggesting the decision has already been made to cut the grant.
So far, only £30,000 has been allocated for 2025/26, with no clarity from the Government on whether future funding will be completely withdrawn. The potential loss of support puts NFYFC’s training programmes, events, and resources, which are essential to the next generation of British farmers at risk.
In response, David Chadwick MP has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on Ministers to reconsider. The motion has already secured cross-party backing, reflecting widespread concern across Parliament about the consequences of cutting this low-cost but high-impact grant.
Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said:
“It is a disgrace that the end of the NFYFC grant is even being considered.
“This funding underpins the opportunities, training, and support that our young farmers rely on. Removing it would not only undermine the future of British farming but also jeopardise NFYFC’s vital relationship with DEFRA.
“This Labour Government seems intent on waging a war on the countryside driven by ideology; they need to wake up and realise if they want economic growth, they need to support rural communities, not pull the rug out from under them.
“I will continue to push back against these cuts and stand firmly with our young farmers.”
ENDS