Measure 1.6 Group Facilitation, Focus Farms and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Measure 1.6 - Group Facilitation
The aim of this programme was to assist farmers in identifying needs and opportunities relating to farm produce quality and environmental improvements. A range of facilitation and technical specialist workshops were funded to enable farmers to produce investment plans.
- 4121 farmers, representing 128 farmer groups, received funding.
- 91 farmer groups successfully completed study tours to destinations such as Denmark, Holland, Ireland, France, Germany and Canada.
Measure 1.6 - Focus Farms
This programme's main objective was to facilitate farmer-led learning using farm businesses to promote the adoption of good production, business and environmental practice. The programme established a Northern Ireland wide network of 78 Focus Farms representing all industry sectors.
A closing event held at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) Headquarters at Balmoral, Belfast on Tuesday 20 March 2007 brought the Programme to a formal close.
The achievements of this unique farmer training initiative included:
- 9000 farmers made 14,000 visits to Focus Farms
- 60% of Focus Farm visitors reported income improvement; reduction of costs; and better use of time on their own farm businesses as a direct result of Focus Farm training.
- 72% of Focus Farm visitors reported their enjoyment of the Programme was enhanced by it's cross-community dimension.
- 86% of those Focus Farm visitors said they would recommend Focus Farms to other farmers.
- 52% of Focus Farm visitors indicated they became more business orientated in their approach to farming after visiting a Focus farm.
A new Focus Farm programme is part of the proposed Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 which has been submitted to Brussels for approval.
Measure 1.6 - Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Measure 1.6 funded the delivery of a tailored ICT programme providing training to European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Start level. Through mentoring/coaching and financial support the programme enabled farmers to improve the use of ICT in farm business. The main achievements of the Programme are:-
- 4200 farm family members from across Northern Ireland participated in the ICT Training programme for farmers.
- 3100 trainees successfully completed ECDL Start modules.
- 80% of participants stated ICT training contributed to the adoption of better business practices.