Gearing up for change in 2020 – with help from CAFRE and the BDG Scheme

Change is constant in businesses, including farming businesses, writes Sean McIntyre, Business Development Groups Scheme Manager, CAFRE.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Jan 2020, 08:49 BST
Learning from one another is a key feature of Business Development GroupsLearning from one another is a key feature of Business Development Groups
Learning from one another is a key feature of Business Development Groups

Change often brings uncertainty and a degree of stress.

However change also brings opportunities. With the right data and information and some help from CAFRE, you can make informed decisions to improve your business as the external environment changes.

By joining a Business Development Group (BDG), you will be networked to a CAFRE Adviser and a group of like-minded farmers. This will provide a forum for you to improve your awareness of changes in the business environment and improve your confidence in making decisions to adapt to change.

Business Development Group events combine technical and business training, farmers sharing experience and social interactionBusiness Development Group events combine technical and business training, farmers sharing experience and social interaction
Business Development Group events combine technical and business training, farmers sharing experience and social interaction
Most Popular

Farm businesses are affected by external factors, over which they have no control. These include milk or beef prices, trends in consumer diet, improvements in technology and changes to legislative requirements. However, as a member of a BDG, you will meet six times per year and discuss topics which are decided by the group. The training events take place mainly on local farms and are led by a CAFRE adviser. Your adviser will be available to visit your farm and assist you in preparing a farm business development plan. You will also have access to the CAFRE farm benchmarking service.

BDGs are available to join for the main farm enterprises. The new ‘Environmental Farming’ Business Development Groups are also available to join. Feedback about BDGs has been very positive. Members appreciate the opportunity to learn from one another and develop their farm businesses in a social setting.

The Business Development Groups scheme is open for applications until Friday 24 January 2020 at 4pm. To apply on-line visit the CAFRE website www.cafre.ac.uk/business-development-groups/ or visit your DAERA Direct office where you can apply on-line with assistance. For queries e-mail [email protected] or telephone 028 9442 6790.