Rural Development Bottleneck: Farm Diversification and DNO Challenges Rural businesses and farms seeking to diversify often face a major obstacle: securing additional power supplies. Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), which control local grid connections, are notorious for their slow and costly processes. These monopolistic structures leave little room for alternative providers, creating a significant barrier for […]
As we move through what has been a challenging autumn so far, with its unfavourable weather conditions, many farmers are feeling the pressure. That’s why we believe the upcoming Farm Business Innovation Show 2024 is all the more important, taking place on the 6th and 7th of November at the NEC, Birmingham. This event is […]
Positive Thinking Day: Finding Opportunity and Optimism for Rural Businesses The old Chinese proverb says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” It’s a reminder that although missed opportunities can feel like setbacks, there’s always a chance to start fresh, right now. For farmers […]
Masterplanning – The Key to Long-Term Diversification Success? In the ever-evolving landscape of rural enterprise, diversification is more than just a buzzword—it’s a strategic imperative. Rural businesses can no longer “stand still” and must adapt to thrive in times of uncertainty and change. However, to achieve this, they need to be fully aware of the […]
Enterprise Stacking Explained What is Enterprise Stacking? Enterprise Stacking means running several enterprises alongside one another, where the output of one production cycle contributes to the inputs of another. In generative agriculture, this might mean that your free-range chickens graze on the aftermath of an arable crop; their waste is then used as fertiliser for […]
Five Lessons in Farming Diversification Farm diversification comes with all sorts of challenges, pitfalls and opportunities. Having been there and done that, we can tell you from our own experience that you cannot avoid making mistakes and neither can you predict the future: rural businesses operate within a continually changing landscape in terms of the […]
Embarking on a farm diversification project requires comprehensive planning and financial consideration. Farmers and landowners looking to diversify their operations can leverage various funding opportunities, including the evolving list of DEFRA and RPA-administered grant funding schemes. We’ve encountered many projects, that prior to our involvement, had become overly “grant-led”, meaning the fundamental outcomes, planning, preparation, and briefing […]
Inspired by this year’s Farm Business Innovation Show, nestled within the undulating landscapes, lies a farm that echoes a symphony of innovation and sustainability. Meet the pioneers of agricultural diversification, where every nook and cranny tell a tale of evolution and forward-thinking practices. The Solar-Powered Sheep Haven At the heart of this progressive farm is […]
As we move through Autumn, we look forward to The Farming Innovation Show. This year, the event takes place on November 15th and 16th 2023 at the NEC. Do you have your ticket yet? Register for free at www.farmbusinessshow.co.uk. Make sure to come and visit us on stand FM263. Here are five compelling reasons why […]
In late July (2023) a public consultation was launched regarding proposed alterations to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. The consultation seeks feedback on proposed adjustments to housing delivery via permitted development rights for change of use and certain permitted development rights that enable agricultural diversification and development on farms. The consultation […]
