Future Farming Resilience

Navigating the Agricultural Transition


The Future Farming Resilience programme runs across the South West. Please join our newsletter to receive updates about the programme, as well as additional agricultural support, grants schemes and news from Defra.

We are living through a period of huge change for the farming industry. Farmers are no longer receiving Direct Payments and, instead, are being supported to improve the environment, improve animal health and welfare, and reduce carbon emissions.

Throughout this period of change, called the Agricultural Transition, Defra is funding the Future Farming Resilience project to support farmers and land managers.

There will be three levels of support aimed at paying for sustainable farming practices, creating habitats for nature recovery and making landscape-scale change such as establishing new woodland and other ecosystem services.

FFR support is freely available to any farmer or land manager who has been in receipt of BPS, has an SBI and more than 5ha of land, and who lives in Devon, Somerset, Dorset or Cornwall.

FFR event at Mole Avon

How we can help

Support is available through Agricultural Transition workshops which give a comprehensive overview of the changes in agriculture and the options available to farmers, one-to-one support with an agricultural advisor, and access to small group workshops focused on specific topics relevant to farmers in the South West.

WHICH AREA WOULD YOU LIKE HELP WITH?
Click on the buttons below to find more information:


Answering your questions

Through our FFR support, we’ll answer your questions and talk about the opportunities from the Agricultural Transition:

  • What new funding opportunities are available for my farm now?
  • Will the Sustainable Farming Incentive work on my farm?
  • Are there new grants to grow my farm business?
  • Where does organic or regenerative farming fit with the agricultural transition?
  • How do I start to develop a succession plan for my business?
  • Should I consider diversifying my business?
  • Can I increase productivity to improve farm profits?
  • How can I maintain cash flow and profitability?
  • What other help is available to address the pressures on my farm business?

Podcast

In this podcast, Foot Anstey's experts talk to our Director, Stewart Horne, about the huge changes to agricultural funding that farmers are now facing. They discuss the concerns farmers have with the changes, as well as highlighting some of the funding support now available, future funding changes, and how farmers are best placed to capitalise on them.

What our agricultural clients say

"Ask BIP for a Farm Resilience review - they are very helpful and it is a bit of a no brainer to make use of the free offer. Even alongside all of the other offers that farmers have to consider at the moment, the BIP offer is very straight forward and farmer friendly.

James Coumbe
M H Coumbe and Son

“David was exceptionally knowledgeable about the scheme and with a very approachable manner. His help gave me the confidence to make an SFI application which went through very successfully.” 

Irene Jordan
Germansweek, West Devon

“I was interested in what help was available for a small farm and what ideas David might have for our farm. He gave some useful advice regarding grants/help available such as the free veterinary visit, and also pointed out that our Rural payment land maps were wrong. He also gave advice on creating woodlands and more importantly, where to get additional advice. David is professional and has a pleasant manner. He has lots of useful links were you can find further advice, and is knowledgeable on the current grants/schemes available from the RPA.” 

Graham Case
Seldon Farm

“We moved to our small farm in April 2023 and we were very much novices at dealings with the RPA. We needed help filling in the various Countryside stewardship forms. After an initial Zoom meeting and phone calls, Helen was able to talk us through the CS forms and helped us submit our first REL1 form. She was knowledgeable, patient, thorough and very helpful. She was available if we needed further help. I would certainly recommend Helen to anyone needing help with CS, SFI or other elements of the RPA.” 

Alison Allen
Gullacombe Farm

“Helen was very clear, professional and helpful in listening to my current farming set up, how I wanted to move forward and in offering clear advice about which schemes would most likely suit my current farming practice. Helen is excellent. That she listens to you. That she is extremely professional and efficient in the advice that she offers and finally that she is clearly very well grounded in agriculture in this area. 

Steve Cleverdon
Coombe Farm 

"If you are very lucky you will have Helen Bellew to help you, she is outstanding” 

Elizabeth Palmer 

    About us

    Image

    Our team of friendly agricultural advisors have a wealth of experience and expertise across all types of farm business. Through this free support, they can tailor the advice to your specific needs and prepare you for the changes ahead.

    Find us at these forthcoming shows

    Dorset
    14th - 15th August > Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show
    22nd August > Melplash Show
    7th - 8th September > Dorset County Show

    Somerset
    18th August > Mid Somerset Show
    14th September > Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show
    2nd October > Royal Bath & West Dairy Show

    Cornwall
    15th July > Stithians Show

    Devon
    27th July > Mid Devon Show
    28th July > Totnes & District Show
    31st July > Yealmpton Show
    1st August > Honiton Show
    7th August > North Devon Show
    8th August > Okehampton Show
    22nd August > Holsworthy & Stratton Show
    2nd September > Kingsbridge Show

    Who we're working with

    To deliver this support across the South West, we are working with a number of partner organisations, who bring their own skills and expertise to help farmers adapt to the changes happening across the agricultural industry.

    Devon County Council Logo
    ND Plus Logo
    Creedy Associates Logo 2
    FWAG Logo
    DR Logo
    SBA Logo
    Cosmic logo

    Areas we can help you with





    One to One Advice

    We have a local network of highly experienced consultants and advisors who can sit down with you and get under the skin of your farm business. They will work with you to assess your current position, how the changes are going to affect you and your farm and discuss the options available to you. Carried out in-person or remotely, they will perform a thorough, independent review of all your activities and help to develop an agreed action plan for the future.

    Book a One-to-One Appointment

    If you would like to talk to an agricultural advisor about your farm business please fill in your details below and we'll get back to you shortly.

      Would you like to join our email newsletter? We will send you updates on upcoming free workshops, small business related news and articles as well as local funding and support no more than twice a month.

      Yes

      By clicking below to submit this form, you acknowledge that the information you provide will be processed in accordance with our privacy policy.

      Agricultural Transition Workshops

      Join us at one of our local agricultural transition workshops. They we will be running these throughout Devon initially from October 2022 and for the rest of the region from November. These sessions will outline the changes, how to handle the reduction in BPS payments, discuss new grant schemes and assess options for the future.

      All of our available workshops can be found below.

      The Latest Farm Grants Update

      Cullompton Community Centre Cullompton Community Centre, Cullompton, Devon, United Kingdom

      Update on grants and funding schemes available to farming businesses This free workshop provides up-to-date information to farmers aiming to build farm business resilience and profitability. We review how new and existing funding schemes, such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship, have changed, and how those schemes could apply to your farm and build your business. We also ... Read More

      Free

      The Latest Farm Grants Update

      The Green Man The Green Man, King's Stag, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, United Kingdom

      Update on grants and funding schemes available to farming businesses This free workshop provides up-to-date information to farmers aiming to build farm business resilience and profitability. We review how new and existing funding schemes, such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship, have changed, and how those schemes could apply to your farm and build your business. We also ... Read More

      Free

      The Latest Farm Grants Update

      The Beehive Honiton Dowell Street, Honiton, Devon, United Kingdom

      Update on grants and funding schemes available to farming businesses This free workshop provides up-to-date information to farmers aiming to build farm business resilience and profitability. We review how new and existing funding schemes, such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship, have changed, and how those schemes could apply to your farm and build your business. We also ... Read More

      Free

      Farm Business Funding: Update on Latest Grants, Schemes and SFI

      Online , United Kingdom

      Stay up to date with developments in agriculture to navigate the Agricultural Transition. As farmers in the South West move away from Basic Payments, many have taken advantage of the free support available under the Defra-funded Future Farming Resilience scheme. With the pace of information change, however, it is both increasingly difficult and more important to stay abreast of developments ... Read More

      Free

      Specialist Topic - Small Group Webinars

      In addition to the transition workshops and one-to-one support, we will be delivering a range of specialist, small group workshops where we can discuss and focus on particular topics to help improve your farm business and manage your transition. We will be developing these over the course of the programme. The topics we're currently covering include:
      • Exiting the industry
      • Woodland creation
      • Family succession planning
      • Business diversification
      • Adding value to food and drink
      • Productivity
      • Environmental schemes
      • Business planning and cashflow
      • Marketing
      • Grant schemes.

        Soil Structure and Health

        Heligan Kitchen B3273, Pentewan, Cornwall/Scilly, United Kingdom

        Maximising soil structure and health for productivity, profitability and natural flood management Most flooding and pollution incidents in Cornwall and Devon have been caused, at least in part, by significant soil compaction. Poor soil structure and condition also impact on farm productivity, business profitability and biodiversity. At this event the role of good soil structure and health in natural flood ... Read More

        Free

        Family Business Succession in Farming

        Online , United Kingdom

        During this workshop we will help start you on the process to help you develop a transition plan from one generation to the next. Succession planning as a farmer can be challenging for all involved in the family business. Only 13% of family run businesses have a succession plan in place and that is reflected in the statistics, with only ... Read More

        Free

        SFI in Grassland: Wild Flower Meadows and CS Land Management Grants

        Nettlecombe Estate TA4 4HT, Williton, Somerset, United Kingdom

        With thanks to the Nettlecombe Estate for hosting The recent Defra announcement regarding an expanded SFI offer, available from late July 2024, have left many farmers wondering whether SFI is the right approach for them. Join us at this workshop where we explore what SFI could offer your farm business, with a particular focus on: How SFI can work in ... Read More

        Free

        Farm Funding: Answering Your Questions

        Mole Avon Country Stores Crediton Mole Avon Country Stores Crediton, Crediton, Devon, United Kingdom

        Combined event with Mole Avon offering a farm business advice clinic - open to Mole Avon members and non-members We are living through a period of huge change for the agricultural industry. Through this event, we aim to explain some of these changes, and answer your questions directly. If you are a farmer or landowner who wants to learn about ... Read More

        Free

        Digital Training

        Digital agency and social enterprise, Cosmic will be providing training to help improve your digital skills, which will include free workshops, as well as one-to-one advice, and training to help build digital confidence and enable your to better manage the day-to-day running of the farm business.

        This could include making applications and requesting payments for Sustainable Farming Incentive agreements, submitting tax online to HMRC, or promoting a diversified farm using social media, Google or paid online advertising. The sessions are delivered in a no-nonsense, practical, and supportive manner, free of jargon! They will:

        • Help to identify your digital technology needs from the very basics through to advanced skills
        • Provide training from highly skilled practitioners who have years of experience and the proven ability to tackle Digital and technology challenges
        • Support you in a uniquely kind, friendly and inspiring way
        • Grow your confidence and trust in technology in a safe and responsible way
        • Increase your confidence, reduce isolation, and improve digital literacy

        All of our available workshops can be found below.

        Excel for your Farm Business

        Online , United Kingdom

        Learn how to use Excel to support your farm business with creating spreadsheets, managing information and keeping records Excel is one of the most important tools for Farm Admin. The workshop will teach you the basics of using Excel to support your farm business with creating spreadsheets, managing information, and keeping records. We will explore how Excel can be used ... Read More

        Free

        Using Xero for Your Online Farm Accounting

        Online , United Kingdom

        A step-by-step guide to managing your farm accounts using online accounting software, Xero. With Xero, you can automate everyday financial tasks and easily track and pay bills. More farm work, less paperwork. During this workshop our trainer will guide you through: The Xero dashboard and how to navigate it Chart of accounts Bills Invoices Registering assets CAT returns Reports Payroll ... Read More

        Free

        Digital Support for Farmers

        Online , United Kingdom

        Join our Digital Support Online. This session is designed to help farmers use digital tools and technology. Join our Digital Support Online session. This session is designed to help farmers use digital tools and technology to manage their farms more easily. Join us to learn practical solutions and expert advice to improve your digital skills and make your farm operations ... Read More

        Free

        Microsoft 365: Exploring Office Apps for Farm Admin

        Online , United Kingdom

        Explore the tools available within Microsoft 365 and how you can use them efficiently to manage your farm admin processes Run by Cosmic, leading digital specialists in the South West, this free workshop will go beyond Word and Excel, and explore the other tools available within Microsoft 365 and how you can use them to efficiently manage your farm admin, ... Read More

        Free

        Rural Support & Wellbeing

        Living and working in the farming community can be hugely rewarding, but it also comes with its own unique challenges. 

        Maybe it’s the day-to-day practicalities of running your business. Maybe it’s worries about money, safety or rural crime. Or perhaps you have concerns about succession or you're feeling isolated and lonely. Whatever support you need, you can access help.

        The Trading Standards Farming Partnership includes lots of organisations who all understand the challenges of farming and can support you to overcome them. Talk to their team and they can link you up with the support you need.

        Mental Health Awareness Workshops

        The Rural Support and Wellbeing project aims to raise awareness of the rural wellbeing support services available to the farming community through specialist workshops and representation at rural events, such as livestock markets and agricultural shows.

        Over the course of the winter, the team will be running a series of winter wellbeing webinars to give you an opportunity to focus on particular topics to help you think about your own wellbeing, as well as your farm business. These will be running on the first Thursday of every month, from 6pm to 8pm.

        If you missed the previous webinars in the series, you can watch them on the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service YouTube channel. Topics covered include:

        Rural Road Safety

        Farm Safety & Holistic Wellbeing

        Find the latest workshops below or sign-up to our agricultural newsletter to be notified as soon as new workshops become available.

        Rural Support Webinar: Helping Farmers.

        Online , United Kingdom

        RABI and Farmerardos will be sharing about the support they are able to offer to help farmers. Overview The Rural Support and Wellbeing project, run by the Heart of the South West Trading Standards service, aims to raise awareness of the rural support services available to the farming community, through specialist workshops and representation at rural events, such as livestock ... Read More

        Free

        Rural Support Webinar: August

        Online , United Kingdom

        Speaker details for our August webinar will be available soon. Overview The Rural Support and Wellbeing project, run by the Heart of the South West Trading Standards service, aims to raise awareness of the rural support services available to the farming community, through specialist workshops and representation at rural events, such as livestock markets and agricultural shows. This project is ... Read More

        Free

        Rural Support Webinar: September

        Online , United Kingdom

        Speaker details for our September webinar will be available soon. Overview The Rural Support and Wellbeing project, run by the Heart of the South West Trading Standards service, aims to raise awareness of the rural support services available to the farming community, through specialist workshops and representation at rural events, such as livestock markets and agricultural shows. This project is ... Read More

        Free

        Rural Support Webinar: October

        Online , United Kingdom

        Speaker details for our October webinar will be available soon. Overview The Rural Support and Wellbeing project, run by the Heart of the South West Trading Standards service, aims to raise awareness of the rural support services available to the farming community, through specialist workshops and representation at rural events, such as livestock markets and agricultural shows. This project is ... Read More

        Free
        If you'd like to receive updates about this support programme, as well as the latest information on agricultural grants, government schemes and news from Defra, please fill in your details below. (You can unsubscribe at any time).