Over the past fourteen months Countryside Services Ltd has been offering expert advice and financial assistance to farm family members who would like to avail of training opportunities in order to access off-farm employment and/or set up a new business on their farm. This programme is funded by the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, under Measure 1.7a - Obtaining Alternative Employment. Countryside Services is responsible for delivering the programme to farm family members of 19 years of age or over, in the following three regions: Magherafelt, North Antrim (Ballymena, Ballymoney, Larne and Moyle district councils) and Down (Ards, Banbridge, Castlereagh, Down and North Down district councils).

The programme consists of a series of informal workshops held in local venues, which offer farm family members the chance to consider ways of increasing their income through off-farm employment opportunities and/or new business development. During the workshops each participant completes an Action Plan, supported through confidential one-to-one mentoring. Upon completion of the workshops, financial assistance is available to bring your Action Plan to reality.

Funding for Training

£250 is available to help pay training costs. A further £250 is available to help pay farm relief, childcare and elder care costs whilst attending such training.

Funding for Farm Diversification

Additionally, participants that identify an eligible business idea can apply for financial assistance of up £20,000 (a maximum of 50% of capital costs) to help get their new business up and running. Proposed businesses must fall into one of the following categories: Provision of services, Manufacturing and crafts, and Processing and marketing of agricultural products.

If you would like to find out more about the ‘New Opportunities for Farm Families' programme then why not call us on (028) 8778 9770 or e-mail info@countrysideservices.com