Farming industry scheme to be launched

The York Fresh Start Academy, based at the city's Askham Bryan College, is aimed at people aged 23 to 45, who are looking to develop a career in agriculture.

The 2009 scheme involves 12 three-hour evening classes covering subjects such as finances, tenancy agreements, marketing and management.

The academy was launched in York in 2008 and in its first year, it helped around 20 students develop their business skills. It is supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Ian Buckton, from Driffield, East Yorkshire, signed up to the academy to learn more about developing farming business ideas.

He said: "There is nothing else like Fresh Start. It covers such a broad range of subjects that it has something for everyone, and I've learned skills that will really help me to develop a business. I'd definitely recommend the course to others."

The York Fresh Start Academy is co-ordinated and delivered by a range of farming-related organisations including consultants, land agents and banks. It is also backed by Lantra, the sector skills council for the environmental and land-based sector, via the LandSkills programme.

Co-ordinator David Wadsworth said: "The academy is aimed particularly at the next generation of farmers, to give them the practical skills they need to build and sustain their businesses, and to attract new entrants into the sector.

"Learners may already be involved in an existing farming-related business, or perhaps they're looking to set up their own enterprise, and the course will help them to develop their ideas, make useful contacts and identify possible opportunities for the future.

The academy was launched as part of the Fresh Start scheme, an industry-led national initiative which aims to encourage a culture of professional development throughout the agricultural industry and promote farming as an attractive career option for new entrants.

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