Through the RDP a range of farm businesses will be selected to become Focus Farms. This coaching and mentoring scheme will introduce farmers to a series of new and emerging technologies as well as demonstrating how to take a more business orientated approach.
Focus Farmers will host farm visits and demonstrate good practice across a range of farm types. The scheme will establish a network of up to 60 farms and promote the adoption of good production, business and environmental practice.
Dairy farmer, William Taylor, who was involved in DARD’s previous Focus Farm Scheme, today encouraged farmers to apply. He said: “The Focus Farm Scheme provides an excellent forum for farmers to share experiences, exchange ideas and discuss concerns with the common aim of enhancing and developing good farming practice.
“The Scheme is a win-win for everyone concerned as it recognises the efforts of Focus Farmers and it provides one-on-one support for farmers through the mentoring programme.”
The scheme is currently open for applications from those wishing to become Focus Farmers within a specific range of key areas and regions. Key areas include the Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Pigs, Arable, Commercial Horticulture, Organic, Renewable Crops, Diversification and Environmental sectors.
The Focus Farm scheme will aim to have 10,000 visitors to focus farms over the period of the programme and to train 6,000 individual farmers.
Further information can be obtained from Colin Rea at Loughry Campus on 028 8676 8398.
The Rural Development Programme is funded under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
Notes to Editors:
- The Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 was approved by the EU’s Rural Development Committee on 24 July 2007.
- The Focus Farm scheme is an element of Axis 1.1 of the Rural Development Programme - Vocational Training and Information Actions.
- The main objective of Axis 1.1 is to improve the competitiveness of farm and horticulture businesses in Northern Ireland through the provision of a range of innovative and focused training and information actions.
- Funding will be made available to Focus Farmers to establish and maintain their farm as a training facility – for example: Enhancement of Facilities up to a maximum of £8,750. This measure is will to run to 2012 and has a budget of £3.2million.
- DARD will, through its Managing Agent, train all focus farmers in the relevant skills to deliver training, mentoring, keep records etc and ensure their farms conform to current standards e.g. bio security, adherence to statutory regulations, disease free etc.
- All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
