Further information

How an advisor can help

An experienced Agricultural Business Adviser is available free of charge to provide a professional advisory service to eligible businesses in South Norfolk. The adviser will help to:

• Assess the present farm business;
• Identify opportunities;
• Highlight other business support services;
• Assist with long term strategic planning;
• Consider marketing and exporting;
• Prepare a development plan;
• Provide support to develop skills;
• Monitor progress, and;
• Develop industry networks.

Examples of diversification that may result:

• Value-added products;
• Trading with other agricultural businesses;
• Leisure sport and other recreational activities;
• Farm tourism;
• Woodland and forestry products;
• Renewable energy sources;
• Non-food crops;
• Food processing;
• Organic conversion;
• Environmental projects;
• Farm shops;
• Equestrian businesses;
• Workshops and commercial units;
• Innovative ideas sensitive to the countryside.

The funding sources the Norfolk Rural Business Advisory Service might identify as potentially able to help fund rural business projects include:

The England Rural Development Programme (ERDP)

A seven-year programme of European funding to provide assistance for rural development, it is of particular interest to farmers.

The Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES)

One of several ERDP funding programmes, this aims to assist projects that help to develop more sustainable, diversified and enterprising rural economies and communities. Its coverage is wide-ranging but the main aim is to help farmers adapt to changing markets and develop new business opportunities. RES has a broader role in supporting the adaptation and development of the rural economy, community, heritage and environment.

Who to contact

Contact the Norfolk Rural Business Advisory Service at:
Easton College
Easton
Norwich
Norfolk
NR9 5DX
Tel: 01603 748844
email: info@ruraladvice.co.uk

External links

Agricultural Development in the Eastern Region (ADER)
ADER is an organisation, which has been formed by a consortium of the East of England Based Colleges and training organisations. ADER is farmer focused and offers a range of business training, advice and support. Initial ADER visits to farms are free.

East of England Development Agency (EEDA)
EEDA is a government-funded organisation sponsored by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). Its aim is to improve the region’s economic performance and ensure the East of England remains one of the UK’s top performing regions.

Norfolk Rural Business Advisory Service
Norfolk Rural Business Advice Service is the new name for the Agricultural Advisory Service that was established in September 2000. It is a non-profit making organisation that develops links between agriculture, food and rural partners.

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