Strategic Approach

The Farming Connect Knowledge Transfer Programme and the Advisory Service is delivered by Menter a Busnes. Lantra Wales leads on the delivery of the Farming Connect Lifelong Learning and Development Programme.

Farming Connect brings together key stakeholders, organisations and institutions that support the farming and forestry industries in order to provide an integrated programme which will benefit the rural economy of Wales. The focus is on developing and maintaining joined up working to ensure best use of resources avoiding duplication and a clear focus on addressing business needs.

Working closely with Menter a Busnes, the Lead Contractor for the Knowledge Transfer Programme is the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), one of the biggest Agri-Food institutes in the U.K.

The main sub-contractors are:

  • Welsh Innovation Farm Network that includes the FE colleges delivering Agricultural and Forestry training in Wales.
  • ADAS Wales
  • Kite Consulting
  • Innovis
  • Lantra
  • Bangor University

The Farming Connect Advisory Service will provide independent, bespoke, one-to-one and group advice targeted at improving the sustainability, economic and environmental performance of farming, forestry and food manufacturing SME’s operating in rural Wales.

The Advisory Service will be delivered by the following eight advisory companies who will act as sub-contractors to Menter a Busnes:

  • ADAS Wales
  • Agri Plan Cymru
  • Andersons
  • CARA
  • Kite Consulting
  • Landsker
  • Promar International
  • Savills

Existing frameworks will also be utilised via the advisory service for the delivery of Animal Health Planning and Specialist Veterinary Advice; Energy, Water Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Processing Efficiency; and Strategic Business Planning for Food SME's.

The Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) - Dairy and Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) are also key strategic partners ensuring an integrated approach to addressing sector needs, and providing guidance on themes, key messages and latest market intelligence that need to be communicated to industry.