OPPORTUNITY FOR NEXT GENERATION OF DORSET FARMERS
The Dorset Fresh Start Academy is looking to sign up young farmers and new entrants to the industry who want to learn more about the business side of running a farm.
Now entering its third year, Dorset Fresh Start Academy has helped about 30 people gain further knowledge on the business side of running a farm. Fresh Start is an initiative led by farmers and supported by Defra to encourage new entrants into farming and help established farmers to diversify their businesses.
Mark House, who attended the Dorset Fresh Start Academy said; “I felt the course was real value for money. The tutoring was excellent and covered a range of topics – all relevant to people involved, or wanting to get involved in agriculture”.
Katherine Sealy, co-ordinator for the Dorset Fresh Start Academy explained that the Academy programme is put together to reflect the group’s interests and experiences of agriculture.
She said; “The concept behind the Academy is to help existing farmers and new entrants make more informed business decisions. Members who have completed the Academy have felt that the experience has prepared them to take on further responsibility in their farming career.
“The programme of meetings is designed with the next generation of farmers, as business people, in mind. It will help members to understand the importance of business planning and cash flow, and look at current legislation including Cross Compliance and other Natural England and Defra Schemes, as well as many other topics to meet the members’ requirements”.
The first meeting of the Dorset Fresh Start Academy will be on Thursday 24th September at 8pm in the Old Library at Kingston Maurward College.
If you are interested in finding our more about joining the Fresh Start Academy, or would like to find out more information, please call Katherine on 01305 215 167.
Notes to editors
If media would like to speak to Katherine Sealy direct please call 01305 215 167.
Dorset Fresh Start Academy meets at Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester. The first meeting of the 2009/10 year will be on 24th September at 8pm.
For more details of the Fresh Start Academies, visit the Fresh Start web-pages for a full list of the contacts. www.defra.gov.uk/farm/working/new-entrants/freshstart
