Free business support on offer for farming families in England
31st August 2023
Over 15 hours of business training and one-to-one support is available for farming families in England through the Farm for the Future programme, run by The Royal Countryside Fund with the aim of helping farmers increase business resilience and plan for the future.
Now in its third year, the scheme has provided support for nearly 1500 farming families taking part across England since 2021, and builds on the success of The Royal Countryside Fund’s Farm Resilience Programme.
The workshops delivered through the programme are tailored to the local groups receiving them, so farmers can be sure they’re getting advice that will work for their business.
As well as the in-person groups spanning 17 regions across England, there is a virtual group allowing farmers to access support within their own home.
Maddy Taylor, head of operations at The Royal Countryside Fund, said: “Farm for the Future is a proven source of trusted advice, delivered in an approachable, relatable way.”
She pointed out the charity is in a unique position to deliver business advice entirely impartially, and aims to provide ongoing support to participating farmers even after the programme has ended.
“We’re working with an excellent network of local and regional farm support groups to deliver Farm for the Future, who have an in depth understanding of the issues facing farms in their local area,” she added.
So far, the programme has been very successful in helping farmers make sound business decisions, with 95% of participants reporting increased confidence in their ability to plan for the future.
Amy, who took part in Farm for the Future in Derbyshire, remarked: “We’ve gained new knowledge and feel able to adapt our business for the future, and it’s given us confidence in the business decisions we’re making.”
Mick, who attended Farm for the Future sessions in Lancashire, added: “One of the key things I’ve got out of the programme was learning more about the SFI opportunities – I’ve now got all the paperwork ready to go. It’s beneficial to be in discussion groups with open-minded people willing to discuss ideas as well as giving everyone an outlook for the future.”
Registrations are now open for the 2023/24 Farm for the Future programme.
To find your local group, visit www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk/farmforthefuture.
