Fresh Start Initiative
Background
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.[1]
The First Academy
One year after the initiative was launched, representatives from a range of bodies including Fresh Start, Chichester College, Plumpton College, the Sussex Young Farmers and the Laurence Gould Partnership met to discuss Fresh Start and how it can be taken forward in the South East. From this meeting, and subsequent meetings, the concept of the Fresh Start Academy was created.
In February 2006 18 potential members met with stakeholders to discuss principle of the Academy. From this meeting the Sussex Academy was started with the Kent one, based at Hadlow College, following close behind.
External Links
The South East Fresh Start website Hadlow College - host of the Kent Academy The Laurence Gould Partnership