NFU Cymru is putting its weight behind a Farming Connect Agrisgôp recruitment drive to increase sustainable business in Montgomeryshire.
Farmers and foresters in the county are being sought to set up more Farming Connect Agrisgôp groups and the Union is urging its members to get involved.
Delivered by Menter a Busnes, Agrisgôp is a management development programme, fully funded by Farming Connect, already helping to make farm businesses throughout Wales more sustainable.
NFU Cymru Group Secretary Steve Kenyon said, “This is a truly dynamic programme to recruit and bring together farming families and individuals at a local level to discuss their ideas and take business plans forward. It is extremely important that we look to the future shape of farming in Montgomeryshire. Agrisgôp is giving farmers an opportunity to explore new ideas and share information within a safe and trusted network environment with a practical approach. By expanding this initiative we hope to increase potential economic strength as well as sustainability in the county. I will be spreading the word about Agriscôp to the farming community in Montgomeryshire and at the busy Welshpool Livestock Market.”
Mark Davies, who farms at The Meadows, Church Stoke and was recently appointed Farming Connect Agrisgôp leader for the area, said, “In the last eight years, more than 250 Agrisgôp groups have been formed across Wales, with over 1,500 farmers sharing knowledge and experiences on topics ranging from renewable energy and free range egg production to adding value to food products and co-operative ventures.”
Already leading a number of successful Agrisgôp groups in the county, Mark Davies is now eager to hear from more farmers who have a specific interest or venture they would be keen to develop with funding and support from Farming Connect. Agrisgôp meetings are typically held over a six-month period, with small groups of up to eight like-minded farmers brought together with facilitator support from an experienced local Agrisgôp leader, enabling them to find solutions to individual problems and also develop new ideas.
“This hands-on approach gives group members the opportunity to share knowledge and expertise, to learn new management and marketing skills and to access specialist information. We encourage participants to develop their ideas by visiting other enterprises. The focus of every group is driven by the specific interests and requirements of the individuals involved, and by working together, they are often able to reduce the costs of research and evaluation, which can be really advantageous,” Mr Davies added.
If you would like to find out more about setting up or joining a new Agrisgôp group in Montgomeryshire, please contact Mark Davies on 07931 444616 or email mark.davies@menterabusnes.co.uk
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