18.08.03
New arable demonstration site and research facility to benefit growers

Arable farmers in Cornwall and beyond will soon benefit from a new arable demonstration site and the latest agronomic information and advice thanks to £32,000 of investment from Objective One.

The Cornwall Arable Initiative will be located in South East Cornwall. Already planned are a series of open days through the growing season and a major conference to ensure that arable growers in the region are well serviced with the most up to date agronomic information.

Arable Research Centres (ARC) in partnership with Duchy College's Vocational Training Scheme have been awarded grant funding from Rural Progress to develop technology transfer in the arable sector through the opening of an arable demonstration site.

Cameron Tonkin at Duchy College, facilitated the application, and was delighted with the outcome. Cameron explained, "I am aware that there have been discussions taking place for a number of years between progressive growers in Cornwall and ARC about opening a demonstration centre in Cornwall. This funding from Rural Progress combined with Vocational Training Scheme funding will provide the core finance to develop an agronomy location to the benefit of all arable growers in Cornwall.”

In addition to the funding for the Demonstration Site, Objective One investment has also been made available through the Vocational Training Scheme to give growers in Cornwall heavily discounted membership of ARC. In the first year this will be a subsidy of 70% of the normal subscription.

Dr Mike Carver, Director of ARC said, "This level of funding should encourage many arable growers in Cornwall to become members of ARC which is the largest independent agronomy organisation in the country. We will add a number of trials to the demonstration site and create an excellent ARC location in Cornwall.” He added, "We are confident that this new venture in Cornwall will significantly improve the amount of independent, locally produced, information and advice. It has taken a number of years to achieve this new project but we now look forward to it being supported by Cornish growers and justifying all the time and effort put into the discussions by a number of the growers.”

A preliminary meeting of growers who were interested in forming the first technical committee for the new centre has already taken place. Some clear objectives have been established for both demonstration and local research and development, specifically in growing wheat, oats and barley. A suitable demonstration site is now being sought ready for planting this autumn.

If you would like further information on the Cornwall Arable Initiative please contact: Cameron Tonkin on 01579 372288 or Dr Mike Carver on 01285 652184.

Editor's notes:

Interviews are available with:

Dr Mike Carver, Director ARC, Telephone: 01285 652184
Cameron Tonkin, Cornwall Arable Initiative, Telephone: 01579 372288

Arable Research Centres

Arable Research Centres (ARC) is the UK's largest independent farmer led charitable research and development organisation funded predominantly by farmer subscriptions. These subscriptions are invested back into localised research and technical advisory for its members, and in Cornwall are subsidised annually by Objective One through Duchy College until 2006. Therefore increased membership numbers will ensure on-going programmes and advisory for Cornwall's arable industry beyond 2006.

Rural Progress

Rural Progress is a new Objective One fund scheme to facilitate the implementation of new technology and provide new skills to land based businesses, individuals, groups and organisations. These beneficiaries need to be located within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and associated with farming, horticulture, forestry or supply services to these businesses.

Vocational Training Scheme

The Vocational Training Scheme (VTS) is an Objective One, EAGGF, ERDP and DEFRA training, development and extension programme designed to provide support and delivery to farmers, rural business and land based managers across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Avon, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

This press release was sent to you by:

Carolyn Daw
telephone: 01822 833488
e-mail: cdaw@marketing-pr.co.uk

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

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