A new scheme is offering aspiring farmers a practical route into agriculture through hands-on training and support.
The Farmstart programme, based in North Pembrokeshire, is the first of its kind in Wales and is now open for applications until October 16.
Developed by Ffynnon Community Resilience and supported by funding from The National Lottery, the year-long scheme aims to turn farming ideas into viable businesses by providing access to land, shared machinery, and expertise.
Jo Denham, Farmstart mentor at Ffynnon, said: "The Ffynnon Farmstart scheme is designed to help people overcome the barriers to becoming new farmers, growers, and producers.
"We provide land, machinery, tailored support and training for specific enterprises, and support with routes to market.
"In times of rising food prices and increasing climate uncertainty, we need more people than ever to be upskilling and contributing to food security in Wales, whilst learning how to manage land in ways that sustain and increase its resilience to climate extremes."
Previous participants have launched a range of sustainable enterprises, including vermicomposting, regenerative cattle, native tree nursery, dairy goats, bee products, and Christmas geese-raising.
The programme is open to a wide variety of ideas, including horticulture, market gardening, and commercial fruit.
Andrew Thomas, who started a tree nursery through Farmstart, said: "I’ve had a fantastic first year with Farmstart, and received excellent support to start my tree nursery.
"The Ffynnon Farmstart mentors are amazing."
Another participant, Sasha, who runs a goat micro-dairy, praised the resources and environment provided by the scheme.
Sasha said: "The Farmstart has been great for us.
"It’s great that Ffynnon has a large acreage to allow people like us to learn the ropes."
Zoe Hope, director at Ffynnon, emphasised the importance of innovation and resilience in farming.
Ms Hope said: "We have a fantastic farming community in West Wales, but climate change brings new challenges that might require more diversity of farming enterprises.
"Ffynnon wants to see a strengthened rural community full of diverse, sustainable businesses producing all kinds of food."
The programme begins on November 1.
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