| Strengthening the Knowledge Base to support business development and respond to new opportunities |
Welcome to the Knowledge theme for the South West's Sustainable Farming and Food Delivery Plan 'Changing Landscapes, Changing Outlooks''. This theme aims to improve the competitiveness of the region's farming and food business through the realisation of six key ambitions:-
- Improve Business Support
- Promote Knowledge and Best Practice
- Nurture Skills and Professional Development
- Encourage Innovation and Enterprise
- Foster Research and Development
- Support Collaborative Working
View the 'Changing Landscapes, Changing Outlooks' SFF Delivery Plan Mar 08
In the current climate of change, entrepreneurs who can recognise and take advantage of future opportunities have a vital role to play in creating a strong farming and food sector in the South West. Widespread adoption of successful innovation by businesses offers great economic benefit, allowing them to improve their productivity and become more profitable. Businesses develop new skills, access knowledge, and innovate to develop new markets and improve overall efficiency. However, businesses need to be encouraged and assisted by a planning process that recognises the importance of innovation.
The SW Regional Development Agency is encouraging some of the South West's most forward thinking and ambitious companies to come together to promote success, spearhead the region’s growth and provide an important role in cultivating the enterprise excellence that exists in the region. Successful exploitation of new ideas is stimulated through a demand for, and deeper participation in, innovation in local businesses. Encouraging the adoption of innovative concepts through sharing information, techniques and expertise are also vital. Such programmes as that to develop interest and skills amongst Higher Education students and staff in entrepreneurship are built on shared regional best practice.
A 14 University consortium has set up the National Rural Knowledge Exchange (NRKE), which is the online information exchange for the UK's rural organisations
| Demonstration Farming and Food Businesses |
Natural England are funded by Defra to offer a programme delivering advice to farmers, advisors and other land managers through a series of seminars, conferences, walks, visits and workshops. These will be publised through the Rural Enterprise Gateway www.regsw.org.uk
LEAF demonstrates Integrated Farm Management (IFM) principles through a nationwide network of volunteer Demonstration Farms carrying out IFM and showing other farmers how to adopt it. They provide living and working examples of how Integrated Farming can produce affordable food in harmony with the environment.
They also provide a regional insight into the best local approach to IFM. A programme of visits to each farm goes on throughout the year - not only for farmers but to anyone interested in how their food is produced.
Occombe Farm, Paignton, has been awarded Local Nature Reserve status by Natural England and Torbay Council. Visit their website.
Last updated 31Apr08