Further information

How the project can help

The project will help you by providing:

• a series of group discussion sessions on the key stages involved in developing a diversification enterprise;
• visits to diversified farms to see at first hand how they have made a success of the new enterprise;
• talks by farmers who have diversified on the pitfalls and benefits they have experienced;
• one to one consultations to help you produce a plan for your own business.

The project aims to give you a sound insight into the management and practical issues, which you need to consider when assessing the diversification opportunities on your farm or holding. For many participants it is hoped that looking at a range of diversification opportunities will identify how your business could be developed.

Business planning

The project will help you to produce a full business plan for your preferred diversification enterprise, which you can then use to help secure support from grant giving bodies and banks.

The project will give you the chance to:

• explore a range of diversification opportunities to see which one is suitable for your farm;
• discuss your ideas on how your business should be developed with an advisor;
• receive help in producing a professional business development plan to help convince others to support you;
• receive advice on appropriate sources of grant aid to implement your plans.

Related pages on this website

• Support for farmers & rural businesses

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.

BusinessLink Norfolk
This site gives information for people who are considering starting up a business, as well as those who are already trading e.g. how to find and manage money for a business, international trade and taxes, returns & payrolls.

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
DEFRA provides grants and funding for agricultural schemes plus resources, projects and research information. For more information on their work and contact details visit their website.

Easton College, Norwich
This website gives details of the various courses and apprenticeships available at the college, including agricultural, animal care and food manufacture courses.

LANTRA
LANTRA is the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector. This website provides information on what is happening in the Agricultural industry, regional information, courses available, reasearch projects and vaccancies.

National Farmers Union
The National Farmers' Union is the largest farming organisation in the UK, representing about three quarters of the full time commercial farmers of England and Wales. The Union is committed to bringing quality produce to market, caring for the countryside and the welfare of animals.

About links to other websites.