Free Advice for Kent's Farmers
02/09/2005
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If you are a farmer, landholder or small rural business in or straddling the boundary of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) you could benefit from up to six days free professional advice.

The Kent Downs AONB and Kent County Council has launched a valuable initiative to aid farm diversification plans in response to changes currently facing farmers and rural communities

The Kent Downs Rural Advice Service is a pilot project providing free support to farmers and land owners who are seeking to make a change to their land management practices or business.

Jenny Bate has been appointed to coordinate the scheme. She will arrange for experts in planning, environment and business development to visit each farmer wishing to take advantage of the service and set out advice in a straight forward ACTION PLAN to help take proposals(s) forward.

This free service is available within the Kent Downs AONB, a nationally important protected landscape.
Not sure if you are in the Kent Downs AONB? Log on to www.kent.gov.uk/klis to view the AONB boundary or contact Jenny Bate.

Chris Reynolds chair of the Kent Downs AONB Joint Advisory Committee and a local farmer said:

‘This simple and practical approach is a timely initiative which will provide much needed advice for landowners. This will lead to diversification changes that are financially viable, environmentally sound and well thought out in planning terms. In turn it will bring positive benefits to the landscape and communities of the Kent Downs AONB.

Alex King, Cabinet Member for Regeneration for KCC, said:
'This advice service will help those thinking about taking the first step towards farm diversification. It is especially important now that farmers are facing difficult choices for their future under the reformed Common Agricultural Policy. I am pleased that Kent County Council is supporting this project through its Rural Regeneration Fund.'

Where can I get further information about the service?
Contact Jenny Bate, KDRAS Coordinator
West Barn, Penstock Hall Farm, Canterbury Road, East Brabourne, Ashford, Kent. TN25 5LL
Tel: 01303 815170
EMail: mail@kentdowns.org.uk