A FARMING expert is to help people establish agricultural businesses as the Welsh representative of a leading European think-tank.

Einir Davies, 28, from Machynlleth, will join the New Entrant netWork, known as ‘NEWBIE’.

The group’s focus is to support those who start a new farm business or become involved in an existing set up.

She will work within the NEWBIE UK steering group, which is part of a network of nations including the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, France, and Germany.

Their collective role is to focus on innovative support methods such as business incubators, which offer technical advice and training in the farming sector.

Einir, a graduate of Cardiff University, has a wealth of experience in farming and is development and mentoring manager for Aberystwyth-based Menter a Busnes, which delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Farming Connect provides targeted support for new entrants to the industry, who are often the lifeblood of many sustainable farm businesses in Wales.

In her role, Einir manages agriculture projects including the Agri Academy, which helps identify and train the next generation of farming leaders in Wales, Venture, and Management Exchange, as well as other mentoring and development programmes.

Einir, who is also the daughter of a farmer, said: “Anyone looking to start or build a business in farming faces a number of barriers including access to land, labour, capital, and knowledge of the industry. NEWBIE will make sure support is available for new entrants across Europe."

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