Cumbria Farmer Network - About Us -

The Cumbria Farmer Network is a membership organisation, open to farmers and farmer controlled businesses in Cumbria, with an annual subscription currently £25 plus VAT.  Anyone else can join as Associates at the same annual fee.


The Company was formed in October 2005 by a group of 14 farmers who were so motivated in order to continue the work of a project called, “Rural Futures”, which ended in July 2006. This project was conceived by staff from Voluntary Action Cumbria, who acted as project applicant and fund holder. 

 

Further details www.ruralcumbria.org.uk


Members of the Company are entitled to:

 

  1. provision of a website which will be kept up to date and provide information about activities/events, points of contact for advice and funding, links to other relevant websites and space for advertising.
  2. 3 newsletters a year giving up to date technical advice, details of group activity/new business ideas and forthcoming events.
  3. telephone access to advise who to contact for advice and funding.
  4. the opportunity to join local groups supported/organise by experienced facilitators, developing skills/knowledge and identifying/developing new business ideas.
  5. Up to 3 days free support with group project funding applications, the ability to hold funds on behalf of groups and the subsequent management of projects.
  6. 15% discount for advice for individual businesses for the preparation of business plans to support funding applications.
  7. Opportunity to recycle plastic with the Cumbria Farm Waste Plastic Recycling Scheme.
  8. Opportunity to take a local livestock transport test at cost.
  9. Opportunity to join the lambing time carcase collection scheme.
  10. the opportunity to meet various funding agencies to help them deliver what farmers require.
  11. the opportunity to take part in events designed to educate and inform the general public about the context of farming in Cumbria.
  12. a grass-roots led organisation that will help enable your ideas become reality.
  13. the above service will be provided by local farmer coordinators, backed up by professional support, coordinated from the company office.

 


In addition to the above services, the company will offer additional services at an extra cost but preferential rate to members as follows:

  1. Project grant applications for individual businesses, large grant applications for groups and other related services as decided from time to time.
  2. Organising farm events and trips to study new technology/new methods of working, access to expert speakers, to improve skills/knowledge.