tom taylor

Taylor: 'Development will allow us to help thousands of farmers'

Thousands of farmers and growers across the country are in line to enjoy more high-quality training opportunities.

The boost comes thanks to a £1.4 million triple success secured under the Defra/European Union RDPE programme (Regional Development Programme for England) by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

This latest funding will focus on advanced skills for crop growers, among otber things, and builds on the £2.2 million RDPE skills programme already delivered by AHDB in 2013.

The new seven-figure funding, which includes a £390,000 contribution from private industry, includes a£415,000 contract to develop advanced skills training opportunities for crop growers in both agriculture and horticulture.

Featuring a programme of study tours, this scheme will provide in-depth, closely targeted opportunities for development and career progression

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

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

The drive to secure investment in training and development is seen as a key component of the industry AgriSkills strategy launched by AHDB, last November.

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