The new Academy is being launched on Thursday 11 October at the Pitsford Centre at Moulton College, Moulton, Northampton. From 7pm, a series of guest speakers will give interesting presentations about entering the industry and starting an agricultural business.
The Fresh Start Academy initiative, launched in 2004, is a groundbreaking way to help new entrants find openings in the farm industry. It involves three elements:
- business skills
- training and mentoring
- the possibility of identifying business opportunities via a matchmaking network.
Members have the exclusive benefit of accessing some of the best possible business knowledge from industry professionals to develop their skills.
Lord Rooker, the Minister for Food and Farming said:
"These academies are vital in the development and diversification of England's farms. Younger people are being helped into the industry with sage advice from those who have done it before, and profitable diversified businesses are springing up on farms. This programme will help refresh farming with a new generation equipped with the skills to run a farm in the 21st century. I commend all the people who are involved in the academies, and who give up their time to help other farmers."
The Academy will deliver a 15-month training and personal development course in varied aspects of farm business management to people keen to enter or develop their careers within the agricultural, horticultural and forestry industries. It will involve business planning, financial planning, marketing advice including advice on co-operation, collaboration and the establishment of joint venture, direct marketing and general business management. In addition it will also identify opportunities for contract farming that brings new entrants together with retiring farmers.
James O'Gram, Northamptonshire Fresh Start Academy Coordinator said:
"We are delighted to be able to offer farmers in Northamptonshire a stronger footing when entering the industry. Although it is primarily aimed at new entrants, we will also be helping people already in the industry to further their ideas and meet their aspirations.
"We are also asking what information and skills training we can provide to help them make real business choices, as the industry must move with the times. I hope that as many local people as possible come along to hear more about the Academy at the launch on 11 October."
Northamptonshire is one of more than 15 Academies across the country that will be operating by the end of the year. It has received funding from the East of England Agricultural Society and is led by a group of industry professionals.
If you would like to book a place at the launch or are interested in the work of the academy, please contact academy coordinator James O'Gram on 01223 813 622 or email jameso@laurencegould.com
