Innovation and Diversification Wales 2022 – inspiring rural entrepreneurs and innovator

Farming Connect Innovation & Diversification Wales 2022 – regenerate the mind, body and business…a day out with a difference for all rural business people

Lancashire-born young farmer Tom Pemberton is a social media sensation! You might have already seen him in action as a presenter on BBC Three’s hit show ‘The Fast and Farmerish’, or maybe you’ve read his recently published bestselling book ‘Make Hay While the Sun Shines’.  

Tom, who in 2018 won the British Farming Award for Digital Innovator of the Year, is one of the keynote speakers at Farming Connect’s Innovation & Diversification Wales 2022 event, which takes place at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday, 15 June.

Find out how this ebullient young farmer – who thought ‘a handful’ of people might watch his first-ever YouTube video on how to use the farm’s new milk vending machine – morphed into a leading rural influencer with more than 40,000 social media followers.  

Tom will be joined by a host of inspiring speakers relevant to farmers, foresters, food producers and all those working in the land-based industries in Wales. The diverse programme of speaker topics will range from regenerative farming to carbon stocks, and from business planning to tourism enterprises. 

“This is a unique opportunity for all those involved with the land-based industries to be inspired by some of today’s game-changing technologies, new developments and successful diversification ventures that are transforming the way our industry operates,” says Eirwen Williams, director of programmes with Menter a Busnes (which, alongside Lantra Wales, delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development).

The event has already signed up a wide range of trade and business exhibitors, including both service and supply companies, who will inspire visitors and provide the support to help turn ideas into reality. It is also expected to attract hundreds of farmers, landowners and rural business-people keen to add value to their business and identify ways to increase or identify new streams of income. 

“Meet the individuals and organisations who can help you through one-to-one ‘taster’ surgeries with Farming Connect approved advisers, and join presentations from technical specialists, leading academics, experts and farmers who will share their personal knowledge on topics including land, woodland and business management; diversification projects, marketing, social media, rural planning and much more, “said Mrs Williams. 

With so many farmers now diversifying into tourism, learning how to create, photograph and promote ‘special and memorable spaces’ will ensure your venture ‘stands out’ from the competition. Tim Hughes of ‘Behind the Lens Media’ is a professional photographer and videographer based in Pembrokeshire. Using stills photography, videography, and drone technology, as well as 3D and 360 imagery, Tim’s presentation will help you create compelling, engaging and eye-catching photos and videos which provide fantastic promotional tools. 

Interior designer Gwerfyl Owain Harding, of ‘Dylunio dy Dŷ’, will tell you how to create the ‘wow’ factor in cottages, tents, huts, wood cabins and of course your own home or office.

The event will take place in the showground’s South Glamorgan Hall and the Food Hall. If timings don’t clash, choose from more than 20 seminars led by individuals who have had the confidence to explore new ideas, the vision to transform them into reality and the business acumen and support to implement more efficient, innovative ways of working or set up successful diversified enterprises. 

Attendees can drop in at any time during the day. However, you are strongly advised to visit the Farming Connect website as soon as possible, to register your intention to attend and to view the detailed timetable – so that even if you only plan a short visit, you can book ahead, and won’t miss the speakers you most want to hear.

“This is a unique opportunity for everyone involved in our industry to hear at first-hand from the agricultural innovators, inventors, manufacturers, service providers and producers of tomorrow, from Wales and beyond,” said Mrs Williams.

Visit www.gov.wales/farmingconnect to register for the event and for information on all speakers and exhibitors, together with a detailed timetable which will enable you to plan your day in advance and not miss any element of the programme.