We have released new research with the NFYFC on the implications of COVID and Brexit on young people.

Our research for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and funded by Defra reveals how rural young people are pessimistic about future opportunities to live and work in rural areas and believe the pandemic will continue to affect their prospects in the long-term. More than 500 young people responded to our survey which found:

• 97% want to live in a rural area over the next five years but 65% feel there is not enough housing for young people.

• 85% believe Covid-19 will have an impact on their future.

• More than two thirds believed it would be harder for new entrants to get started in farming in the future.

• Diversification or an off-farm income was seen by 78% as the only way to run a farming business in the future.

The top three challenges for future land management included labour, enterprise start up and technology issues.

Read the summary report of the findings here.