£36,000 grant for farm skills association

Jan 12 2004 By The Journal

A series of new courses will be launched this year offering farmers and rural businesses skills that range from environment and conservation work to business management and catering.

The courses are being organised by the North Northumberland Agricultural Training Association (NNATA), who have been awarded almost £36,000 from Defra's Vocational Training Scheme, part of the England Rural Development Programme.

Alison Cutter, training officer for the NNATA, an organisation run by farmers for farmers, said: "The association was set up almost 30 years ago to help farmers get training at local venues to ensure they have the skills to run their businesses successfully.

"The funding we have received through Defra has been invaluable, allowing us to continue offering a wide range of courses that are open to members and non-members."

NNATA is also working with the Northumberland Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) to offer the practical courses in environment/conservation. These will include local farm visits as well as "classroom" presentations. They cover a range of topics from pond management and hedge and tree planting to woodland management and arable options.

Members of Stay on a Farm - a group of farmer' wives who have bed and breakfast and self-catering businesses - will also help organise courses in cookery for B&Bs, how to design menus and the legal requirements covering serving food to the public.

Courses vary in length from a half day to a week and will run on various dates from January through to March.

For more information about, or to join the association, or to find out more about the training courses, or book a place, contact Mrs Alison Cutter, Chillingham Barns, Chatton, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 5NF, Tel: (01668) 215316 or email: iancutter@freeuk.com