Longstanding barriers such as lack of access to supports and education are preventing young farmers from breaking into the sector, according to a paper launched ahead of National Young Farmers’ Week 2026.

The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ (NFYFC) AGRI Ambition paper 'Proud to Farm', highlights the challenges faced by young people entering the industry.

It is also arguing the importance in promoting farming to the younger generation.

Ageing sector

The age of farmers keeps rising, with the average English farmer being 59-years-old, the NFYFC stressed.

More than a third are aged over 65, and just 5% are under the age of 35.

British agriculture could be facing a "significant demographic cliff edge" if action is not taken to support and retain the next generation of farming, the federation said.

NFYFC is aiming to triple the proportion of under-35s in agriculture by 2036, increasing the percentage to 15%.

However, it stated that effort from both government and industry is needed to achieve this.

The need for young farmers continues to grow as food security and the future of domestic food production remains uncertain, NFYFC said.

YFC AGRI chair, Nathan Greenwood added that young farmers in England and Wales have “ambition; skills; and determination needed to drive innovation, strengthen food production and care for our countryside".

Calls to action

Key calls to action for the improvement of young farming include:

Ensuring new entrants can access support via grant and Environmental Land Management schemes that offer partial funding for the purchase of capital items;
Support in accessing farm tenancies and encouraging landlords to offer tenancies to the next generation;
Providing access support when applying for rural housing;
Encouraging young farmers to actively participate in agricultural policymaking, regardless of whether they are at a national, UK, or EU level;
Equip young people with necessary knowledge by improving access to high quality land-based education.

NFYFC chair Jessica Rose said: “The Proud to Farm paper is about more than the future of farming.

"It is about the future of our countryside, our food security and our rural economy.

“The next generation are eager to succeed, but they need the right opportunities and support to fulfil their potential.”

National Young Farmers’ Week runs from October 5-9.

This year will celebrate how YFC helps young people belong to their clubs, local communities and the industry.