Following the announcement of additional actions for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), the Royal Countryside Fund (RCF) is reminding growers that the Farm for the Future programme, which offers free business advice and environmental support, is entering its final year.
Initially aimed at farmers receiving payments under BPS, the programme offers workshops and one-to-one meetings to tackle challenges and grasp opportunities during the agricultural transition. It covers eighteen locations across England with online support from trusted partners.
Mick, who attended Farm for the Future sessions in Lancashire, said: “One of the key things I’ve got out of the programme was learning more about the SFI opportunities – I’ve now got all the paperwork ready to go. It’s beneficial to be in discussion groups with open-minded people willing to discuss ideas as well as giving everyone an outlook for the future.”
According to the RCF, 95% of participants reported increased confidence in their ability to plan for the future, with 1,500 farming families taking part since 2021.
Maddy Taylor, head of operations at The Royal Countryside Fund said: “Farm for the Future is a proven source of trusted advice, delivered in an approachable, relatable way. The Royal Countryside Fund, as a charity, is able to give this advice entirely impartially, and we aim to provide ongoing support to Farm for the Future farmers long after the programme has ended. We’re working with an excellent network of local and regional farm support groups to deliver Farm for the Future, who have an in-depth understanding of the issues facing farms in their local area.”
Registrations close at the end of September. For more information go to www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk