Business looks bright for almost 4,500 Welsh farm and forestry businesses that have received support through the Farming Connect Advisory Service, with almost 7,000 claims for support already completed by the service. These are the industry ‘progressives’, the switched-on individuals who know what changes they should make to improve their bottom line, when to make them and what it’s going to cost!
Almost 90% of farm and forestry businesses implement the recommendations set out in their Advisory Service report within the first 12 months of receiving advice. Eirwen Williams, head of rural programmes with Menter a Busnes (which, alongside Lantra Wales, delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development), is determined to get this message across to all those working in the industry who have not yet tapped into the service.
The Advisory Service will take centre stage on all Farming Connect social media channels and digital platforms this week. Dubbed ‘Advisory Week’, the aim is to bring every aspect of the service, including business and diversification planning, into focus for farmers and foresters plugged into the organisation’s channels.
“We want to reach out to all farm and forestry businesses that have not yet commissioned a business plan or any technical advice, because this service is now doing so much to help transform the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of thousands of businesses in Wales.”
“A business plan tailored to your needs will give you a clear understanding of your current business profile, and cover planning for the future, business and financial management, as well as technical areas involving land and livestock,” said Mrs Williams.
Registered farmers and foresters can apply for up to 80% funding for a business plan, where they will receive confidential, one-to-one specialist advice from an approved adviser.
“A business plan could help you reduce costs by increasing efficiency across all areas of your business; you’ll be able to benchmark your performance and work towards progress and growth, identifying areas for improvement and finding solutions to problems.”
To find out more about the Advisory Service and business planning, contact your local development officer or the Farming Connect Service Centre on 08456 000 813. For further information and guidance to help your business reach its full potential, visit www.gov.wales/farmingconnect
Farming Connect is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra Wales and funded by 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.