DARD and SOAR stage first Diversification Awareness event in Co Armagh

Have you or one of your family been thinking about farm diversification? You may already have an idea for a new business but don’t know how to get started. Would you like to hear from someone who has already established a successful farm diversification?

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) in conjunction with the Southern Organisation for Action in Rural Areas (SOAR) is staging a Diversification Awareness visit to provide farm families in the Craigavon / Armagh area with advice on setting up and running a farm diversification business.  The event will be hosted at Ballydougan Pottery and Courtyard Cottages on Thursday 15 April from 10.30am until 12.30pm.

Ann McKeown, Senior Rural Enterprise Adviser with DARD explained: “The Diversification Awareness event will allow anyone considering diversification to hear about the support available locally to help members of farm families considering diversification and also to meet and learn from someone who has already established a number of successful diversification businesses.”

Twenty five years ago Sean O’Dowd combined his skills as a potter with redundant buildings on a family farm near Gilford to establish Ballydougan Pottery and Craft Shop. This small diversification soon became an important tourist attraction in the area. Sean then spotted an opportunity to provide high quality self catering accommodation.  In 1998 he developed a further five disused farm buildings into the award-winning Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages. The establishment of a restaurant in 2002 completed the redevelopment of the farmyard.  

Sean said “One idea led to another opportunity. The key is to identify those ideas that complement the original business. ” He will be on hand to share his experience of establishing and developing a successful diversification.

If you would like to come along to this free Diversification Awareness event please phone Ann McKeown on O28 3751 5602 or Bill Leeman on 028 3751 5622 to reserve your place. Call the same number if you are unable to come along on the 15 April but would like to discuss the assistance available for farm diversification in the Armagh area.