WIREDGOV

Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans, has this morning announced the completion of the Review into Farming Connect, and that she is accepting all of Gareth Williams’ recommendations.

The independent review of Farming Connect, commissioned by the Welsh Government earlier this year, considers the proposed approach to delivering knowledge transfer, advice and innovation under the next Rural Development Programme.  

Gareth Williams’ report makes a number of clear and helpful recommendations on what the future Farming Connect programme should include. The Deputy Minister, spoke at an HCC Breakfast Reception at the RWAS Winter Fair, to confirm she has accepted all recommendations.

She said,

“Farming Connect is a strong and trusted brand that I want to see not only continue but to grow, making it accessible to more people.  Knowledge transfer and innovation are critically important in helping to further professionalise the agricultural industry, embedding a culture of continuous professional development and an improved focus on farming as a business. It is essential that farmers, foresters and food businesses embrace the opportunities that the new RDP generally and Farming Connect specifically will provide.

“My officials have drawn up an action plan to ensure effective and timely implementation of those recommendations, working closely with industry stakeholders. In the main, the recommendations will be delivered through the 2014-2020 RDP.

“I wish to record my sincere thanks to Gareth Williams and others who helped inform this important piece of work.”

The report makes 24 recommendations that are intended to help design a new programme under the 2014-2020 RDP that will support farm and forestry businesses in Wales to improve competitiveness, increase profitability and to meet future challenges in a sustainable and innovative way.

The Deputy Minister also indicated she was keen to open up the new Farming Connect programme to more individuals and businesses.

She said,

“Farming Connect is key to delivering the modern, professional and profitable industry that we all seek. In that respect, I want the programme to be as accessible and responsive to industry requirements as it can possibly be.”