A new initiative is being launched in Cumbria to promote collaboration and support for local farmers. The Cumbria Farmer Network, Cumbria Community Foundation, the Food Farming and Countryside Commission, and the Cumbria Combined Authority have joined forces to bid for funding from the DEFRA Farmer Collaboration Fund (FCF).
The FCF provides support for practical, farmer-led projects aimed at enhancing sustainability, productivity, and resilience in the farming industry. Building on the success of existing farm cluster groups in Cumbria, the partnership aims to strengthen these groups and encourage the formation of new ones for the benefit of the entire farming community.
Interested farmers are invited to register their interest and learn more about the initiative by visiting the website https://www.cumbriafarmercollaboration.org.uk/. The partnership is seeking three years of funding to support the development of stronger business plans for participating farms through the strengthening of existing farmer groups and the creation of new ones.
Veronica Waller, Senior Project Manager with Cumbria Farmer Network, emphasizes the benefits of farmers working together in groups and urges interested parties to reach out as soon as possible. With expressions of interest being gathered in anticipation of the fund’s opening on 1 September, time is of the essence for those wishing to be a part of this exciting opportunity to support the long-term future of farming in Cumbria.
