Welsh Matching Service

A new service has been introduced in Wales under the Farming Connect programme.  ‘Venture’ is aiming to match landowners with individuals wanting to grow existing businesses or finda route into farming in Wales.  Once matched the parties can enter into a contract farming or share farming agreement.  Support will also be provided for both parties including advisory and mentoring services and training activities. The service comes after the ‘Next Generation into Farming’ report, published in 2014, identified the importance of mobility within the agriculture industry in Wales. If successful the service could help many without succession plans in place or those wanting to take a step back from day to day farming without selling up. However in our experience these types of agreements must be carefully and regularly managed to ensure each party is happy with the arrangement.