“Knowing Your Options” in the South East and London

With the national Ministerial launch taking place on 21st October 2005, farmers in the South East and London now have access to free, impartial help and advice through Defra's Farm Business Advice Service (FBAS).

The next 18 months provide a great opportunity for farmers to review their farming structure and adjust their business to suit the changing agricultural and environmental climate.

FBAS will focus on the impact that the Single Payment Scheme may have on their individual farm businesses and the opportunities available to take their businesses forward to enhance profitability. It will encourage farmers to think about options such as restructuring, diversification, co-operation or even developing an exit strategy from the industry.

Development ideas include food production (direct selling through farm shops, farmers' markets or to catering or retail outlets), conversion of redundant farm buildings to provide accommodation for tourists, business travellers or offices and horse livery provision.

Funds are limited and farmers are urged to act fast to secure their entitlement, as FBAS will be done on a first come first served basis. With only a short time being spent with each farmer, it is important that farmers prepare well for such meetings so they can fully brief the adviser about their business aspirations.

Solutions are not easy to find, but having an experienced adviser who is deeply involved in agriculture to talk to, and to review plans with in confidence, is a good starting point.

Please telephone the FBAS Enquiry Line on 0845 365 1257.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. You must be a farmer in England claiming the Single Payment

2. You must be involved in the core farming business either as a landowner, a keeper of farm animals or a grower of crops

3. The farm business must be classified as a small or medium sized enterprise (SME).

4. The business must not have received more than €100,000 (approximately £68,000) in State Aid over three years - covering education, training, farm replacement services, consultancy or advice, and aid for participating in competitions, exhibitions and trade fairs.