Questions remain about how Scottish Government's SAYFC funding will be spent

Leaders of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) said full details were yet to emerge about how to allocate a new funding package from the Government.

The Scottish Government released a statement this week stating a £30,000 funding package had been agreed to provide agricultural training opportunities for young farmers and other young people working in the rural economy.

This came just one week after the association was stripped of £66,000 of funding as the Scottish Government announced it was withdrawing financial support to the organisation.

But the latest grant was agreed during a meeting between SAYFC and the Minister for Young People, Aileen Campbell.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “I am firmly committed to helping increase opportunities for young farmers and other young people in rural communities and I recognise the valuable work of the SAYFC.

“That is why I am pleased to be able to give the organisation a grant of £30,000 towards the delivery of agricultural and rural training and development activities for its members."

The funding has been given for the 2016-17 financial year, but SAYFC officials currently have no further information regarding how the funding will be used, and whether there is any criteria which would suggest how the money is spent.

Mr Lochhead continued: “As part of the on-going national discussion on the Future of Scottish Agriculture, we have also been in discussion with the SAYFC.

"I look forward to their continued involvement in helping to realise my vision of a productive, innovative and profitable future for Scottish farming.”

SAYFC, as Scotland’s biggest rural youth organisation, supports more than 3,500 individuals from the ages of 14 to 30.

Speaking on behalf of the association, national chairman of SAYFC, Scott Wilson said: "We are grateful for this funding offer which will help ensure we can continue providing personal development opportunities for rural youth throughout Scotland.

"The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss with Aileen Campbell the association and its value to young people. We look forward to working with Mr Lochhead and his team.”