The recruitment process has begun for a programme manager to lead the land mobility scheme in NI currently being developed by the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU).

The full-time role and project costs for an initial two-year period are being funded from a £120,000 package from DAERA. A third-year extension is also possible with the YFCU stating that it is subject to funding.

The planned scheme is based on a similar initiative operated by Macra na Feirme in the Republic of Ireland.

The YFCU aims to set up partnerships, shared farming arrangements and leases between young farmers and older landowners in NI under the scheme.

A survey conducted by the Ulster Farmers’ Union and YFCU in late 2015 found that a successor had not been identified by 48% of older farmers in NI.

Funding

Both YFCU president James Speers and UFU president Barclay Bell have welcomed confirmation that DAERA will fund the project.

“A lot of work has gone into the planning and establishment of this joint initiative and I am delighted we are making progress,” said Bell.

The programme manager for the scheme requires a third-level qualification in agriculture, with a professional accountancy or legal qualification desirable. The role comes with an annual salary of £39,000 to £44,000.

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