Young farmers across the north-east have secured a funding reprieve after an agreement was reached with the Scottish Government.
Concerns had been raised at Holyrood on behalf of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs after a £66,000 funding pot was lost.
When the decision was first made, it seemed that the clubs would receive no support from the government for the first time in 70 years.
But last night, Troup councillor Hamish Partridge welcomed news that the farming group were being given funding to continue their work.
He said: “Young farmers are important and not just in rural communities. There is personal development there, you get speech making, rallies to enter and competitions.
“There is a lot of training involved and it is not just for the agricultural sector.”
Richard Lochhead, rural affairs secretary, said he was “firmly committed” to increasing opportunities for young farmers in rural communities as he announced a new £30,000 funding package for the clubs.
The money will allow SAYFC members to seek training opportunities and pay for travel and personal development courses.
Mr Lochhead added: “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.
“As part of the ongoing 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.”
National chairman of the SAYFC, Scott Wilson, added: “We are grateful for this funding offer which will help ensure we can continue providing personal development opportunities for rural youth throughout Scotland.”
There are 10 SAYFC clubs across Aberdeenshire, including in Inverurie, Strichen, Turriff, New Deer and Udny.