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Of the 1,000 farm and forestry business owners wanting to sign up, 85% are seeking assistance to identify their future business needs and 80% are interested in training.  

Farmers who registered for the original service are being urged to re-register as soon as possible in order not to hold up accessing the practical elements of the new programme, which include one-to-one support, guidance and skills development or training.   Many of the services now available are fully funded, while others such as the Whole Farm Plan and Farm Advisory Service - which helps farmers meet cross compliance - are subsidised, by 50% for most eligible farmers and 80% for young entrants.  

Farming Connect has developed a skills development programme which enables eligible farm and forestry businesses to claim 50% funding towards approved training courses.  The programme also offers a range of fully funded services including agri-environment training, planning surgeries, diversification seminars and strategic awareness events which address specific key topics relevant to farmers.  The programme also includes Agrisgôp – a regional action learning programme which helps farmers develop new business opportunities.

The Minister said:

Farming Connect actively encourages farm and forestry businesses to be innovative and to plan ahead. By working closely with our delivery partners and other key stakeholder organisations, we can support them to run their businesses more efficiently, offering tangible benefits which will help safeguard the future of family farming in Wales.

During the first six months of the programme there were 3,601 attendances at the wide range of fully funded Farming Connnect events organised throughout Wales by Farming Connect and its delivery partners.   In addition to the skills development services, there are sector-specific events organised by knowledge transfer/development programmes for the dairy, red meat, organic and land management sectors.  

Farmers seeking business support will be supported by regionally based Whole Farm Plan co-ordinators.  Eligible registered farmers can apply for five days of subsidised support from an approved list of mentors.  The Whole Farm Plan can offer advice on a single topic such as succession planning or tenancy arrangements or provide a comprehensive business plan. Farmers may also be eligible for a further three days of one-to-one mentoring to help develop diversification ideas.  

Farming Connect’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS), will help farm businesses meet cross-compliance and environmental regulations.  A team of FAS executives based in the Welsh Assembly Government’s divisional offices in Caernarfon, Llandrindod Wells and Carmarthen will encourage farmers to apply for this partly-funded and confidential service, which helps them prepare for inspections and avoid penalties.

Farmers interested in finding out more or wanting to register for the new service should contact the farming Connect Service centre on 08456 000813.

Related Links

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingconnect/?lang=en