There is help available to young farmers wishing to build their own business.

Garff MHK Martyn Perkins said the Department for the Environment, Food and Agriculture does want to promote farming as a career choice for young residents.

In response to Middle MHK Ceasar Kermode, he said: ’Benefits are, and will increasingly become, available to young farmers in order to help them start their own business.’

In a supplementary question Mr Perkins was asked if the government care about young farmers and why agriculture was not being renewed after next year at University College Isle of Man.

Mr Perkins said he was unaware of this, but that similar courses are offered in the UK and young farmers can, if they wish, choose to study there.

However, it was pointed out that may not be a suitable option for some families and students.

Also debated was what plans the government has to keep young Manx people in the Island after they leave school?

That question came from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Mr Cameron Skehan.

Education Minister Graham Cregeen said he’d never want to stop residents from leaving the island. And that many students choose to study in the UK .

However, it was noted by members that this can give the impression the government shows little interest in keeping young people in the island and how this could explain the rapidly ageing population.

â?¢ Report by Sadie Lightfoot, Ballakermeen High School