Sowing the Seeds for Better Farming
People working in rural North Devon and Torridge are now able to tap into training based in Holsworthy.
The Harvesting for the Future project will help to improve the safety, productivity and performance of the farming industry by providing training close to home.
NFU Mutual, Kivells, Torridge District Council, Penbode Veterinary Group, Cornwall Farmers, Holsworthy Community College, Harpers Home Mix, Coodes Solicitors, and Bicton College have come together to produce a mixed training programme which will be based around the Holsworthy Livestock Market. Courses will take place during the late autumn and winter and include legislative certificates in Telehandler, Welfare of Animals in Transit, ATV training, and Tractor Driving.
Chairman of the steering group Mark Ley said, "The 'Harvesting for the Future' project will make sure that people living and working around the Holsworthy area have easy access to training. These people work long hours and find it difficult to take time away to attend training courses in Barnstaple, Exeter or beyond. By bringing the training to them, 'Harvesting for the Future' will make it easier for farmers, woodsmen or people from other land based industries to develop their skills in order to meet changes in British and European laws, as well as face the challenges of working for or running modern rural businesses."
The project is a spin off from the development of the new Holsworthy Agribusiness Centre, which will help to transform the future of Holsworthy as a market town.
Chris Lorimer Director of Enterprise at Bicton College sees the Harvesting for the Future project as a unique opportunity for the farming community.
Cllr Barry Parsons, leader of Torridge District Council, said, "This project is another excellent example of the public, educational and private sectors working in partnership for the benefit of the community and local people, and is hopefully a forerunner of what's to come in the planned new agri-business centre for Holsworthy and the surrounding area."