A new free business guide offering essential advice about how to get a farming business started has been launched by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) and Savills.

The online resource has been created in response to demand from young people who want more support for starting successful farming business ventures.

As the industry faces huge changes post-Brexit, the Smart Farming Guide, supported by Defra, offers a one-stop shop for practical advice on starting, funding, protecting and growing a robust agri business. The mobile-friendly, online guide will be continually updated with information during a time of unprecedented change.

The guide also helps members of Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFCs) to plan and deliver business development competitions as part of their programme of activities for developing members’ skills.

The Smart Farming Guide (yfcsmartfarming.org.uk) includes case studies from successful farming entrepreneurs such as Chris Wildman from the Town End Farm Shop and Guy Watson from Riverford Organics. It also presents advice on available types of finance available, risk analysis, business protection and resource for wider business support.

Sarah Palmer, NFYFC’s agriculture and PR manager, said: “Both YFC members and the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) have raised awareness of the need for business support and new business models of collaboration between generations of farmers to help ensure their farming futures. The Smart Farming Guide’s online platform helps to deliver this request and signposts many other sources of existing help and advice.”

The guide was launched during National Young Farmers’ Week (September 18-24).