Farming project reaps rewards in Perth and Kinross

A project that aims to improve the skills and performance of local farming businesses is proving to be a real success.  The Perthshire Farm Business Club is a pilot project funded by Scottish Enterprise, Perth and Kinross Council through the Agriculture Forum and the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate. It was established in 2007 in response to an industry demand identified by the Scottish Agricultural College.

Currently 14 farm businesses within the Perth and Kinross area are participating in the venture. Now in its second year, the project is making a real difference to group members and is well on its way to meeting the target of adding £60,000 to the production efficiency of the 14 group members collectively.

At the heart of the project’s success is its club approach which enables participating members to benefit from shared practical, technical and commercial knowledge. The club members enjoy specialist input from the partnership business adviser. They meet regularly to share successful business practices, discuss group members’ financial performance on a whole farm and individual enterprise gross margin basis and meet with representatives of agri-businesses. 

Angela Crabb, Project Manager, Scottish Enterprise, said: “The farming industry is experiencing continuous change and recent reforms of the European Common Agricultural Policy, increasing legislation and environmental concerns are all adding to the pressures that Scotland’s farm businesses face on a daily basis. Equally, globalisation, changes in consumer demand and a diverging food chain have led to enormous demands on the industry.”

“It was clear that there was a need for an opportunity for local farmers to benefit from networking and co-operation. Working with the local SAC Farm Business Services office in Perth and Perth and Kinross Council we established the Farm Business Club project to help local farmers to increase efficiency, improve business practices and explore different approaches to their current production system.”

Sinclair Simpson, Principal Agricultural consultant at the Scottish Agricultural College, said “In my experience, farmers attend demonstrations and open days and go home thinking, that’s a good idea, but do nothing more about it. In the business club we see things happening on other group member’s farms and go home prepared to instigate change. Group members can keep in contact through the change process and importantly, the club is also proving to be an enjoyable social experience in an industry where many are lone working.”

Councillor Kate Howie, Perth and Kinross Council, said “The Council fully supports the Farm Business Club, through its Agriculture Forum. The Club continues to make a real difference to the lives of local farmers and successfully assists them in improving and developing their businesses. We very much look forward to progressing with the project in the future.”

It is hoped that the project can be expanded on a farm business funded basis once the three year pilot study ends.