Farming Connect make plans to Zoom around the World

As restrictions on unnecessary travel continue due to Covid-19, Farming Connect is taking farmers and foresters on a series of virtual international farm tours. It will build on the aims of the popular Management Exchange and Study Visit programmes which have supported over 70 overseas travel exchanges and visits for individuals and groups since 2015. Historically, the fully funded visits have been limited to countries in the European Union, but this new offer allows participants to Zoom around the World, learning about new and improved ways of working in the farming or forestry sectors across the globe, all from the comfort of their own home.

Delivered through the medium of short films and webinars, farmers and foresters from abroad will demonstrate best practice and the implementation of innovative approaches and introduce new ideas and improved ways of working which can be applied by Welsh farmers and foresters in their own businesses.

Farming Connect are encouraging registered businesses to submit their preferred themes, topics and any businesses they feel should be featured. Suggestions are welcomed from all sectors of agriculture, including horticulture, forestry and niche sectors not yet explored. The deadline for submitting proposals is 12:00pm on Monday 16 November 2020. Proposals should explain how their topic of choice is of importance and is relevant to the wider agricultural industry, what potential benefits are there to individual businesses and should also aim to:

•           Improve knowledge and awareness of best practice and latest innovative practices on the ground

•           Promote resource efficiency and support the shift towards low carbon and climate resilient businesses in agriculture and/or forestry

•           Explore innovative approaches to farm or forest management which will help restore, preserve or enhance ecosystems dependent on agriculture or forestry

•           Enhance competitiveness of all types of agriculture and enhancing farm viability

•           Identify international contacts and enabling a network of knowledge, expertise and innovation exchange to support the long term development of your business and sector

•           To support the piloting new technologies, management practices and methodologies – “Trial before you apply”

•           Build on the existing work of Farming Connect

As the window to submit ideas opened, Einir Davies, Development and Mentoring Manager for Menter a Busnes who deliver the Farming Connect programme said,

“The current restrictions on travel shouldn’t become a barrier for knowledge exchange so we’re creating a safe platform to explore innovation and best practice without having to leave the farm. We’re looking forward to finding out which themes and topics will be popular with Welsh farmers and foresters and to build a network of valuable international contacts to learn from for years to come”.

Proposals can be submitted to Farming Connect via the website where they will be assessed and scored. If shortlisted, you will be invited to a telephone or Zoom meeting to answer any clarification questions and to discuss and develop your ideas further with members of the Farming Connect team.

Farming Connect, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.