FARMING needs entrepreneurs. It always has and it always will. It depends upon their ability to cope with the unexpected and quickly exploit new opportunities. Without them it would lose its vibrancy and ability to deliver so many benefits to modern society.
So Defra’s Fresh Start initiative, launched in 2006, deserves support. It aims to help a wide range of people develop business skills in the farming sector over an 18 month course programme. Judging by the end-of-programme gathering at Hadlow College in Kent last week, it is succeeding.
Here was a group of young people with vision and ambition. For them the industry presented a wealth of opportunity. Far from being dissuaded by regulations, complex policy decisions and rising costs, they were keen to build their businesses and take on greater responsibilities.
So far 22 Fresh Start Academies are operating across the UK. They, and the participants they are supporting, deserve all the help the industry can give them.