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recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland | 
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7 November 2002
NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY FARMERS TO GET HELP FROM BUSINESS BUDDIES
Leicestershire farmers are to be offered "business buddies" to turn their diversification plans into action in a new, Government backed initiative.
Under the scheme, which is co-ordinated by Business Link Leicestershire & Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland, eligible farms will receive up to five days in-depth help from agricultural business consultants at subsidised rates.
The support is specifically to help farmers diversify into new areas and is designed to stimulate rural employment. It follows a successful pilot programme in Leicestershire in which 14 farms took part with diversifications into areas including farm shops and organic food production.
"The programme helps farms overcome barriers to diversification by giving access to expert consultants at affordable rates and is proven to have a positive effect on rural employment, " said Angie Donnerstag, East Midlands Agri-desk co-ordinator at Business Link.
Farmers who have previously accessed the Farm Business Advice Service are also eligible. Leicestershire Business Buddies is able to help farmers progress their action plans - a typical project would include work towards ERDP applications, feasibility studies and so on.
The programme is open to all Leicestershire districts except North West Leicestershire, Bosworth, Melton and Hinckley as these areas are receiving foot and mouth (F&M) funding. Once all F&M funds have been allocated, the excluded areas will also be eligible.
The Rural Partnership, which includes representatives from Leicestershire County Council, Business Link and community groups, conceived the plan, which is backed by Government funding from the Single Regeneration Budget.
To be eligible, farmers must have a county Parish Holding Number and spend 75 per cent of their time on farming. They are able to receive up to five days support in a year.
Farmers interested in applying for the Business Buddies scheme or other programmes can call the East Midlands Agri-Desk on 0845 450 0630.
Ends
For further Media Information
CONTACT Duncan Hopwood or Kate Downs on 0116 254 4472
Note to Editors
The East Midlands Agri Desk, which is handling enquiries for the Business Buddies programme on 0845 450 0630, also manages the Farm Business Advice Service, which has supported 1,000 farmers in less then two years with free business planning consultancy.
The East Midlands Agricultural Business Desk and its web site at www.agri-web.org.uk provide a single gateway through which farmers, growers, people involved in horticulture and anyone with an interest in these sectors in the East Midlands can access a wealth of information on business support, grant aid, training and related industry news and guidance.
The Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) is a central government fund launched in 1994 by combining 20 funding streams. Local partnerships, with representatives of public, private and voluntary sectors, submit competitive bids to gain SRB funds, which are then directed to the regeneration of specific areas.
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