RURAL businesses through- out the North East are being urged to apply for their share of a £1.2m training grant.
LandSkills North East, managed by Lantra on behalf of regional development agency One North East, is supporting the growth of existing agricultural and forestry businesses with relevant training and skills development.
The project offers up to 70% funding to assist with all types of training and knowledge transfer activities from general business skills through to technical training and advice on animal health and resource management.
It can help understand how to comply with the current legislation relating to animal health, nutrient management, to consider how best to influence and manage supply chains to market, product development as well as general business management skills and development. And it can also try to source a trainer to suit a company’s particular needs.
North Northumberland Training Association organised a series of farmer discussion groups last winter where specialists gave their views on a wide variety of topics. Suzanne Horn, from Hedgeley Farms near Alnwick, said: “I enjoyed the topics covered in the meetings I attended, which focused on current farming and food chain production aims.
“Combining both an expert speaker and a relevant farm venue, provided excellent practical advice which I will use to improve efficiencies at my farm.”
Counting up until the end of April 432 people have benefited from the LandSkills North East programme covering a diverse range of projects including training Teesdale farmers for the Level 2 NPTC Sheep Dip qualification; leading agricultural discussion groups on animal health and welfare; helping Young Farmers in Durham and Northumberland to practise their stock judging and who in the near future will be given the opportunity to brush up on their leadership skills.
The project is currently arranging workshops on soil management using PLANET software in conjunction with ADAS and Strutt and Parker. It is supporting improved water management and irrigation in the Till Catchment area in association with Cheviot Futures whose partners include the Tweed Forum, The Environment Agency and The Northumberland National Park.
LandSkills North East is also working with five veterinary practices across the region to deliver training on the ways to spot, control and prevent disease and other health conditions in flocks and herds to more effectively increase business efficiency to ultimately reduce costs.
The project can support both accredited and non accredited training. So to find out more or to see if your training needs are eligible contact project manager Peter Nailon on 01388 517 199 or visit www.lantra.co.uk/landskillsnortheast
