New training to be rolled out for 4,000 farmers and growers

New skills training for up to 4,000 farmers and growers will be available following £1.4m of funding being granted to AHDB.

The funding from the RDPE programme and private industry will focus on three areas of skills training covering cattle, sheep, arable, horticulture, pig and poultry. Some training will be free for attendees.

A national training programme in cattle and sheep health and welfare will be created, bringing together three regional programmes for targeting endemic disease across England, including BVD, Johne’s Disease, lameness and mastitis.

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Growers working in arable and horticulture will benefit from “advanced skills training” with study tours, to explore development and career progression opportunities.

The pig and poultry industries will see an England-wide initiative to reduce the effect of endemic diseases through collaborative working, involving a 10-month programme of workshops and seminars.

“This skills funding will enable us to help about 4,000 farmers and growers acquire the new knowledge our industry needs to be more competitive and profitable,” said Tom Taylor, chief executive of AHDB.

“Innovation and continuous professional development are essential components for us to grow British agriculture,” he said.

The training will be delivered through ADAS, Duchy College, SAC, TrainEast, Westpoint and XL Vets. To find out more, call AHDB on 0247 669 2051 or email info@ahdb.org.uk