ABSTRACT
This chapter concerns non-successional entry into UK farming and examines attempts to attract new blood' into an industry that is increasingly characterised by an ageing farm population and, by inference, a lack of innovation and competitiveness. It examines two schemes in the UK that have attempted to provide opportunities for new farmers to enter agriculture: the long-established County Farms Estate (CFE) and the more contemporary Fresh Start (FS) initiative in Cornwall in the south-west of England. The chapter provides short cameos and evaluations of the two schemes, and assesses some of the implications of the findings in relation to non-successional entry into farming. It focuses on county farms adopts an essentially historical perspective based mainly on the analysis of reports and secondary data, but with primary data input. The chapter shows the evaluation of FS is based on primary data gathered from interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders, delivery partners, industry representatives, consultants and FS applicants in Cornwall.
