Launched at the Smithfield Show in December 2004 by Sir Don Curry, the Fresh Start initiative aims to secure a sustainable future for farming in England by: A further objective is to stimulate existing farmers to think about their businesses in a post CAP reform environment, whether this leads to a planned expansion/a diversification or a managed exit.
[1] One year after the initiative was launched, representatives from a range of bodies including Fresh Start, Chichester College, Plumpton College, the Sussex Young Farmers and the Laurence Gould Partnership met to discuss Fresh Start and how it can be taken forward in the South East.
The programme consists of a twelve-month training course which covers various aspects of farm business management, with students attending one session every month.
Likely topics include: Throughout the programme land agents and consultants are involved to ensure that business opportunities for entrants can be established at the same time.
Several members of this Academy have already enjoyed success with some being awarded tenancies and others working with the Ring of Agricultural Machinery in Sussex and Kent (RAMSAK) on a grazing project.