Business support for farmers in four counties opens tomorrow

From 1 February, the Farm for the Future Programme opens for applications for farmers in four counties
From 1 February, the Farm for the Future Programme opens for applications for farmers in four counties

Livestock farmers in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Berkshire will be able to apply for business resilience support from tomorrow.

The Farm for the Future Programme, delivered by Pasture for Life and the Royal Countryside Fund, opens for applications on Thursday (1 February).

Launching at the Royal Agricultural University, it aims to help farmers improve business resilience, enhance the environment and adapt to climate change.

The programme, over the next six months, will deliver free interactive livestock workshops led by farmers, including networking and learning, signposting and next-step planning.

All participants will join the Royal Countryside Find’s Farm Resilience Network and gain access to a bank of resources and ongoing support.

They will also benefit from a free year-long introductory membership of Pasture for Life, worth £120.

A charity spokesperson said: "Any tenant farmer of owner-occupier currently in receipt of BPS in England can join the programme, even if they have already participated in one run by the Royal Countryside Fund.

"Apply to check your eligibility by emailing Sarah Williams at sarah.williams@pastureforlife.org.uk."

In addition, Pasture for Life have launched the Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes Programme in the Cotswolds, Chilterns and North Wessex Downs.

This programme, which will run until March 2025, will provide free mentoring and events to farmers in these protected areas who are interested in integrating grazing animals.