16.12.05
More investment for farmers' support service

Farmers in West Cornwall will benefit from more than £300,000 in new investment to extend the work of the Penwith Farm Business Centre for a further three years.

The Farm Business Centre, led by John Forster, was set up in 2002 to help farmers and farm businesses across Penwith. New investment from Objective One, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and other local investors have ensured the centre's future until September 2008.

"This is excellent news as this new money means we can now develop our role further at what is clearly a critical time for the farming industry," said John Forster, who heads the team at the centre, which is based at Long Rock, Penzance.

"A vibrant Penwith agriculture can only be achieved if we embrace the changes and challenges taking place and start producing good, quality traditional foods which are marketed properly."

The Farm Business Centre was set up three years ago to offer support and advice to the district's farmers and to help them develop their businesses. This includes giving access to training and new skills, giving business advice and helping farmers access other sources of funding and support by making links with other providers and investors such as Business Link Devon and Cornwall, the VTS or Cornwall Taste of the West.

"By working in partnership with others it has been easier to help raise farmers' capacity to look over the farm gate," Mr Forster added. "Our unique role in the county has enabled us to bring some real financial benefits to the region's farming economy. What I hope we will be able to do over the next three years is to develop some new initiatives, including looking at alternative markets and improving quality."

David Rodda, senior agricultural coordinator for the Cornwall Agricultural Council Development Team, said: "The innovative approach taken by John, in Penwith is making a significant contribution to the strategic goals of the Cornwall Agricultural Council. By engaging the farmers in the area John has involved them in the work of the Penwith Farm Business Centre and assisted them to look to the future. This extension will enable John to build on the strong foundations that have been laid over the past three years."

The Objective One investment of £155,000 comes from EAGGF funds, complemented by £35,000 from Defra. The remainder of the investment comes from Cornwall County Council, Penwith District Council, the Bolitho Estate, St Aubyn Estate and the Tregothnan Estate and contributions from the private sector.

For further information please contact John Forster, Helena Worthington or Julia Rowlands at the Penwith Farm Business Centre on 01736 352012 or email: www.farmcornwall.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Farm Cornwall project through the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Anyone considering a new horticulture, food and land based industries project is advised to speak with Maria Ford, at Government Office South West on 01752 635015 before commencing development as there are now only limited funds available due to the successful uptake of funding by the agricultural sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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