Business Link online resource aims to help farmers grow more sustainably
Greenwise Staff
23rd February 2010
Business Link, the Government-backed business advice service, has launched a free online resource that aims to help farmers and growers run more environmentally friendly and efficient farms.
The
resource, launched today at the National Farmers’ Union two-day annual conference in Birmingham, covers all aspects of farming – from setting up in farming to
funding and grants – but there is a strong emphasis on protecting
farm environments, including managing
waste and managing environmental
resources. There is also a section on
organic farming.
The launch of the business resource for farmers follows
the unveiling of the Government’s food strategy in January, which challenges farmers to produce more
food with fewer resources and, crucially, fewer
carbon emissions.
According to the Government, food production and consumption accounts for almost a third of Europe's greenhouse gas emissions – a level that must be radically reduced if European emission targets are going to be met.
The Government wants to see farmers producing food efficiently, sustainably and safely to high standards of animal welfare. The Business Link resource is one way the Government aims to help farmers and growers do this, in the least costly and time consuming way.
86 guides in new Business Link online farming resourceIn all there are 86 guides in the new online farming resource, which Business Link says will be updated regularly to ensure that farmers can quickly and easily keep up to date with industry and
regulation changes.
Caroline Fawcett, director of Marketing and Customer Insight at businesslink.gov.uk, said the new, dedicated content had been developed in close collaboration with relevant Government departments and agencies, and with farmers themselves.
“Farmers and agricultural workers will be able to access a wide range of business information and support in one place, which will save them a great deal of time and money,” she commented. “We believe that it will quickly become an essential resource for farmers across England.”
Business Link said it would continue to offer support to farmers through its regional network of business advisers, and through its national telephone helpline.
Related news:Farming & forestry newsBusiness and operations newsSME newsEnvironmental regulation newsRelated links:www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/resources/grants-and-fundingBusinesslink.gov.uk/farming