Fresh Start Initiative

Launched at the Smithfield Show in December 2004 by Sir Don Curry, the Fresh Start initiative aims to secure sustainable future for farming in England by:

• promoting an entrepreneurial culture, amongst the next generation of farm business owners
• promoting the use of generic business planning & management techniques
• promotion of farming (and all its associated activities) as an attractive career option for new entrants
• development of a “matching service” that will link potential new entrants to those wishing to reduce their direct involvement or retire.
• development of a national mentoring capability for all new / growing farm enterprises
• practical support for a continual professional development culture to be adopted by everybody working in this industry

A further objective is to stimulate existing farmers to think about their businesses in a post CAP reform environment, whether this leads to a planned expansion / a diversification or a managed exit. The choices made could create new opportunities for new entrants.