06.06.04
One year on and industry is benefitting from Rural Progress

Anthony Gibson launched Rural Progress, an Objective One project, at the Royal Cornwall Show last year. Since then, Royal Progress has awarded over 90 grants ranging from £40 to over £36,000 for training and skill development initiatives to individuals and businesses in the land based sector across Cornwall.

Rural Progress has been responsible for several important Cornwall-wide industry initiatives over the past year including the establishment of The Cornish Arable Initiative and Beef Health Scheme. Two newly funded projects, the Entrepreneurship Programme and the Guild of Cornish Hedgers, are being launched at this year's show. The Entrepreneurship Programme aims to train and develop the skills of future industry leaders whilst the establishment of a Guild of Cornish Hedgers will conserve and build new hedges that will last for future generations to enjoy and provide important habitats for fauna and flora.

An example of a traditional Cornish hedge will be taking pride of place at the entrance to the Farmers Pavilion. Project beneficiary Richard Boden Cummins has just established a rural crafts training centre called The Stone Academy, near Camelford and is an active member and supporter of the new Guild of Cornish Hedgers. He has built the hedge to promote the works of the new guild.

Two lucky visitors to the Rural Progress stand in the Farmers Pavilion could also win a luxury two-day visit to the Royal Show at Stoneleigh at the beginning of next month, including overnight accommodation and governors VIP passes.

"The draw prize complements Rural Progress aims and objectives perfectly,”explains scheme leader Paul Charlton. "The Royal Show showcases innovation and excellence in British agriculture and rural industries; this is exactly what we are trying to encourage through skills development and knowledge transfer. We appreciate how difficult it is for people to leave their business or farms, if only for a couple of days, but this time can be important for both reflection on current performance and inspiration for future ideas. Our draw prize is simply to encourage people who might not otherwise take the time out to visit the show or even take a break.”

Editor's notes:

For Interview:
Paul Charlton, scheme leader, is available for interview on the Rural Progress stand 400 in the Farmers Pavilion, Royal Cornwall Show 10,11,12 June 2004

Rural Progress:
Rural progress is an industry led partnership funded by DEFRA and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund for the benefit of land-based businesses in the Objective One area fund scheme Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Rural Progress aims 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 the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Objective One area and be associated with farming, horticulture, forestry or supply services to these businesses. www.ruralprogress.co.uk

Press Enquiries:
Please contact Carolyn Daw tel: 01822 833488, mobile: 07866 697057 email: cdaw@marketing-pr.co.uk or Paul Charlton on 01579 372112

Sue Wolstenholme
Objective One Communications
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mob: 07973 813647
Tel: 01579 370991

lmroberts@cornwall.gov.uk

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