Farming Connect is hosting two on-farm diversification events highlighting a range of diversification ideas which could help increase the resilience of farm and forestry businesses.
Considering the current volatile conditions within the industry, diversification not only offers an alternative revenue stream, but also a way of increasing the profitability and sustainability of an existing business.
Jeremy Bowen-Rees, of Landsker Business Solutions, will be speaking at the events, which will promote best practice in establishing a successful diversification.
“A lot of people jump into diversification without fully considering the many things they need to do to make an informed decision about what will work,” says Mr Bowen-Rees. “Sometime people make major mistakes that not only compromise what they are doing in order to establish the diversification project, but that can also have an impact on the core farm business as well.
“These events are an opportunity for people to acquire some guidance to help them make an informed decision and they are also relevant for those who have diversified already to share their experiences and best practice with others, learning from people who have successfully diversified their own businesses.”
Attendees will be encouraged to develop a strategic business plan and use the existing skills and strengths of people within a business to add longevity and value to a diversification project. Market research and trialling ideas are also key to a successful start-up.
Alongside Jeremy Bowen-Rees, other speakers will be Geraint Jones, Farming Connect Technical Forestry Officer and the event hosts, who will speak about their experiences in diversifying their businesses. At Maes Farm, Maengwynedd, Llanrhaedr ym Mochnant, the family farm has diversified into hydroelectric, biomass and wooden holiday cabins, and at Whitecastle Vineyard, Llanvetherine, Abergavenny, Robb and Nicola Merchant have diversified their smallholding into an award-winning vineyard.
The diversification events are:
- 27/06/2016 - 6pm to 9pm - Maengwynedd Log Cabins, Maes Farm, Maengwynedd, Llanrhaedr Ym Mochnant, Croesoswallt, SY10 0DE
- 29/06/2016 - 6pm to 9pm - Whitecastle Vineyard, Croft Farm, Llanvetherine, Abergavenny, NP7 8RA
For more information on these events and to register your interest please contact Catrin Elen Morgan on 01248 668640 or email catrin.morgan@menterabusnes.