29 April 2020
“Whatever concerns you have about your business, this is not the time to shoulder your worries in silence, we will find you an expert who will listen to you and provide the confidential guidance and support you need either over the phone or digitally,” is the message from Eirwen Williams, director of rural programmes with Menter a Busnes, which together with Lantra Wales, delivers. Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
In response to the restrictions in force due to the coronavirus pandemic, Farming Connect has arranged a number of one-to-one surgeries, which are fully funded for registered individuals.
“If you call the Farming Connect Service Centre in the morning and explain what you need, we will do our best to match up your enquiry or concern with an appropriate expert the same day and quite often, you will have the support you need from one of our approved consultants within a matter of hours,” said Mrs. Williams. She added that if any eligible farmers or foresters are not already registered with Farming Connect, this is a speedy process which can also be done over the phone by calling the Service Centre on 08456 000 813. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau yn Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
The surgeries, all provided over the phone or digitally, are scheduled to continue until Farming Connect’s ‘normal’ face to face service provision can resume. Each will usually last approximately one hour per individual. They can cover topics ranging from regulatory compliance matters and business management – which can include for example legal, accountancy, planning and succession advice - to animal health and technical topics, managing people and diversification projects.
Mrs. Williams explained that the current coronavirus restrictions mean that many farmers and foresters are feeling more isolated than ever, and this can have a huge effect on both their mental and physical health. She urges the industry to make sure they seek the support they are entitled to.
“If you don’t know where to turn, turn to Farming Connect, today!”
“No farmer or forester should be suffering in silence at this challenging time, and even if your particular issue doesn’t fall into any of the surgery categories we’ve already identified as key areas where concerns are often rife, we have the capability and resources to react quickly and find you the expert guidance you need. ” said Mrs. Williams
Keith Owen, a director of rural consultancy Kebek, is a well-known environmental consultant who specialises in farm business infrastructures and regulatory compliance. Keith says that this new Farming Connect service is already proving hugely beneficial for many farmers who are concerned about issues such as the new environmental regulations due to come into force this autumn.
Mr Owen says that for many farmers, their worries can be addressed more economically than they think.
“I am getting calls from farmers, signposted to us by Farming Connect, who are clearly worried and don’t know who to turn to for confidential and practical advice.
“Many are concerned about the impact of the new control of agricultural pollution regulations and achieving cross compliance.
“Farmers we talk to are often looking for a completely confidential conversation that can pave the way for finding economical and practical solutions that give them a way forward.”
Mr. Owen added that professional guidance can provide solutions to their problems and show that the steps they can take don’t necessarily result in an increased financial burden. This support sometimes includes talking to regulatory authorities on the farmer’s behalf which also helps give them peace of mind.
Eirwen Williams said that one-to-one surgeries can give farmers and foresters the reassurance they need on a huge range of issues with step-by-step advice on what they need to do.
“A one-to-one, confidential conversation can take the pressure off at a time when they, and their families, most need it.”
If you would like to book a place for a Farming Connect one-to-one surgery, call the Farming Connect Service Centre. Alternatively, for further information, contact your local development officer.
Farming Connect, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.