A FUNDING lifeline for the Wales YFC has been welcomed by politicians.

The national body for Young Farmers' Clubs will receive a grant of £88,600 over the next 12 months - just weeks after losing funding worth nearly £400,000.

It had lost out on bids for Welsh Government backed funds which would have supported its educational and training work.

However the Labour administration's deputy minister for food and farming Rebecca Evans confirmed to the Senedd it will provide grant support over 12 months to Wales YFC but said the organisation must restructure.

Mid and West Wales AM Ms Evans had earlier met with the organisation at a meeting called by Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams and the party's Mid and West Wales AM William Powell.

Brecon and Radnorshire AM Ms Williams said: "YFC plays such a vital role in supporting the farming community and developing the self-confidence of young people in rural areas."

Mr Powell, the party's rural affairs spokesman, added: "YFC Wales itself acknowledges the need to review its structures to create a more sustainable organisation, but removing the funding altogether was never the right option.

"I'm delighted that Kirsty and I have been able to work to secure this vital transitional funding in the short term, while enabling planning for the longer term success of Young Farmers' Clubs."

Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrat MP Roger Williams said it was a 'great' result and added: "Young Farmers' Clubs provide opportunities for young people from the countryside and towns alike to build skills and enjoy the company of other young people. Welsh Lib Dems do not let the grass grow under their feet and started campaigning for this as soon as the news broke."

The Conservative parliamentary candidate for Brecon and Radnorshire Chris Davies, who had visited the Brecknock YFC's office in Brecon with Westminster farming minister Liz Truss, said: "I am pleased the Welsh Government has now seen sense. They simply must recognise the vital role Young Farmers' Clubs play in areas like Brecon.

"The Secretary of State knows exactly how important these clubs are to the future of farming in Wales – which with the right help and support, can have a fantastic future.

"Liz Truss was one hundred per cent behind them and one hundred per cent behind my campaign to help them."

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