21.07.04
Launch of the Rural Progress Cornwall Farm Diversification Awards 2004

A new farm diversification awards scheme was launched this week by Rural Progress, the industry led partnership funded by DEFRA and EAGGF from the Objective One Programme to promote skills for the development of new ideas in farming and land based businesses. The awards are open to any farm diversification scheme in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly and there are awards both for recently started and longer established enterprises.

Jeremy Ward, Director of business consultancy WIN, who is managing the competition on behalf of Rural Progress commented, " The possible types of diversification that can enter are many and various, including conversion of redundant farm buildings, adding value to primary products, developing farm tourism and generating additional income from non-farming activities."

The prize value for the winner of each category will be £1000, made up of an engraved cut glass bowl, a cash prize of £200 and specialist, individual business consultancy to the value of £800. The awards will be presented at a prestigious ceremony at Duchy College later in the year. The two winning businesses will also gain valuable publicity and recognition. Six short-listed finalists will all receive a plaque, together with an award logo for use with publicity materials.

"Rural Progress is delighted to be associated with the Cornwall Diversification Awards," said Paul Charlton, Rural Progress Scheme Manager. "The Rural Progress project is about the development of new ideas and income in agriculture and other land-based businesses and farm diversification is very important in achieving that."

Clydesdale Bank is sponsoring the awards. "Diversification is now a vital part of many farm businesses. It is important that the farming community promotes best practice in diversification activities just as actively as it does for other enterprises. The Rural Progress Diversification Awards are an excellent way to raise the profile of the best diversification projects."

To enter your business for the Awards, just fill in the entry form below and post it to WIN who will contact you with further details. The Awards panel will be chosen by Clydesdale Bank, Rural Progress and WIN.

Entry forms should be returned by 20th September to Jeremy Ward, WIN, FREEPOST NAT11735, HOLSWORTHY, EX22 6YZ (no stamp required). For further details telephone 01288 341300 or email jward@winlimited.co.uk

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Editor's notes:

For further information contact:

Jeremy Ward
Tel: 01288 341300
Email: jward@winlimited.co.uk

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Sue Wolstenholme
Objective One Communications
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01579 370991
lmroberts@cornwall.gov.uk

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