|
06.06.03
Objective One investment for Cornwall
Quality Livestock Producers
Cornwall Quality Livestock Producers (CQLP) are pleased to
announce that Objective One will be investing £58,625
towards a £232,722 project to offer an improved and
extended range of services and benefits to its farmer members,
building on the work started under the European Objective
5B Programme.
CQLP is Cornwall’s only livestock marketing co-operative
placing both conventional and organic livestock. The group
had grown steadily to over 300 full members, marketing over
40,000 lambs, 5,000 clean cattle and 2,000 cull cows a year
to a number of abattoirs.
The starting point of the project will be the appointment
of a full time company manager. Advertisements have been placed
in the farming press and regional newspapers and interviews
will take place in June.
The main aims of the project are to improve the quality of
livestock produced by our members and to look at production
systems to see where improvements can be made to reduce costs
and raise profitability.
The main areas of activity within the project can be summarised
as follows:
|
Website developments, to allow on-line booking and
reduce the administrative costs and to provide members with
up to date information on prices and market requirements. |
|
The purchase and hiring-out of weighing equipment to
improve performance recording of stock and associated specialist
equipment needed to improve product quality, through three
pilot schemes. |
|
This project will develop key business improvement
and control systems in conjunction with partners such as Duchy
College and offer them to members as added-value services
to support performance improvements. The services developed
will seek to improve the technical abilities of producer members
to improve quality and consistency of produce and reduce production
costs (to meet the increasing demands of the market). |
|
A comprehensive feasibility study into the following
key areas: |
| |
|
Research into the developing trade customer needs, specific
market opportunities, opportunities for supply chain improvement
and market partnerships |
| |
|
In consultation with Meat South West, to explore the potential
for branding beef and lamb from the region |
| |
|
Review developments for organic support services |
| |
|
Explore additional revenue sources |
| |
|
To review provision of environmental support and advice to
members to ensure they are enabled to integrate such advice
into their farm business planning. This will be conducted
in consultation with the Farm and Wildlife Advisory Group |
By working together the members of the co-operative will
be better able to respond to the demands and challenges within
the Red Meat sector in the future.
David Rodda, senior agricultural co-ordinator for the Objective
One Agricultural Development Team, said: "We are delighted
that this project has been successful in securing Objective
One investment as it is a great example of how the Programme
is enabling local farmers to develop a distinctive commercial
advantage in the market place.”
"We wish the 'Co-operating for the Future' project every
success and hope that the farmers involved along with the
wider agricultural community in Cornwall and Scilly will seize
the new opportunities created by this project to bring greater
efficiency, higher returns and a secure future for the meat
industry in the region.”
If you would like to find out more then please come and see
us in the Farmers Pavilion (no 396) at the Royal Cornwall
Show or contact the office on 01503 263415.
The £232,722 Co-operating for the future project has
received £58,625 from the Objective One European Agricultural
Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) match funded by DEFRA
with the remaining investment coming from the private sector.
For further information contact:
Andrea Barrett
Cornwall Quality Livestock Producers
01503 263415
Editor's notes:
European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee
Fund (EAGGF)
EAGGF is one of the four funds that make up
the Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of
Scilly, which is making £314 million of investment available
to support the local economy between 2000 and 2006.
EAGGF aims to:
|
Help preserve the link between diversified
farming and the land |
|
Improve and support the competitiveness of agriculture
as a key activity in rural areas |
|
Ensure the diversification of the economy in rural
areas |
|
Help to keep communities thriving in rural areas |
|
Preserve and improve the environment,
the landscape and the rural heritage |
Jason Clark
Communications Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Tel: 01872 241379
Fax: 01872 241388
jason@dclark.co.uk
 back to top
|
