The window for applying is coming to an end
With an aim to help strengthen rural communities and secure the future of many small, family farms and businesses across the country, The Royal Countryside Fund is once again running its free 2023 Farm for the Future programme for farming families in England.
Offering support and free business and environmental skills, welcome meetings commence this month (November 2023).
Over the last three years, Farm for the Future has been highly successful with 95 per cent of participating farms saying they have increased confidence in their ability to plan for the future.
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Inspired by its founder, HM King Charles III, The Royal Countryside Fund acts as a catalyst, enabling change and developing resilience, working with local partners who deliver the bespoke programmes of support.
What is on offer?
- Workshop on business efficiency
- Workshop on environmental scheme
- Get to know your local farming community
- Bespoke workshops tailored to your interests
- Ongoing one-to-one support
Support varies, with in-person groups in 18 regions across England, plus a virtual group allowing farmers to access support within their own home.
Andrew and Laura, who run a beef farm in Staffordshire participated in the programme in 2022. They both attended the virtual workshops which they reported as being helpful as they find it difficult to get away from the farm.
Reflecting on the programme, Laura said: "The programme was fantastic and would absolutely recommend the programme to other farmers. Christina Hutchings, the coordinator of the online group, was fantastic in organising the workshops, and provided a lot of communication."
To find your local group, visit www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk/farmforthefuture. Registration for the 2023/24 programme is closing soon.
