MP hits back at DEFRA’s latest cut to farming
4th September 2025
Robbie Moore MP accused the prime minister of “going after” the next generation of farmers, as well as older farmers fearing inheritance tax.
After more than 30 years, Defra has revealed it will not be renewing discretionary funding to the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.
NFYFC said it was “disappointed” when it was made aware in July that the current Defra grant would be the last.
Shadow minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Robbie Moore, called the reports “outrageous”.
He said the grant is a “tiny sum” but makes a “massive difference not just for young farmers but all young people interested in agriculture and the countryside”.
He said the news suggests the Labour government are “not just going after farming businesses and those older farmers fearing inheritance taxes, but the next generation as well”.
Hearing reports that on the day the Prime Minister said at PMQs he "would work with" Young Farmers, DEFRA are pulling the grant to the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs.
— Robbie Moore MP (@_RobbieMoore) September 3, 2025
In the grand scheme of things the NFYFC costs Government a tiny sum, but makes a massive difference…
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NFYFC said that despite the loss of the grant it remains “an active stakeholder, representing the views of our members and the next generation”.
A spokesperson said: “The small grant enabled NFYFC to work closely with Defra to make emerging policy tangible for the next generation and deliver innovative training, events, resources and research projects, which remain available in our Knowledge Hub.
“Everyone recognises these are challenging times for the industry, and we are actively seeking alternative sources of support to benefit young farmers.
“We remain proud of the work we have achieved over many years with the help of the Defra grant, and we hope that future opportunities for support will allow us to continue making a positive difference to young farmers.”
A Defra spokesperson responded:
“No decisions on funding have been made yet and to suggest otherwise is false. We’ve provided £30,000 to support the important work of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs in the 2025/2026 financial year.
“We are working with the farmers to build a more profitable farming system with food production at its core and helps restore nature in an uncertain world.”
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