Diversifarm - new diversification exhibition at Dairy Event 2005
18/03/05

A new major exhibition covering all aspects of farm diversification will be one of the major features at this year's Dairy Event to be staged by its organisers, the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 21and 22 September.

Called Diversifarm, the exhibition is a joint RABDF CLA (Country Land and Business Association) venture and will feature three main sectors: rural finance and business planning, leisure and tourism and the environment and conservation.

“Diversifarm is being introduced in response to dairy producer's intentions,” explains RABDF chief executive, Nick Everington. “Our market research carried out at Dairy Event 2004 found that 56% of visitors planned to develop significant alternative sources of income from dairy farming. In addition to adding value to milk with on farm processing and retailing initiatives, these farmers were also looking to generate new income streams from existing farm assets.” 

Converting farm buildings to office or equine use, renting out fields for caravanning and camping, erecting telephone masts, developing wind farms, establishing woodland and building leisure facilities were among the many enterprises that farmers are considering, says Mr Everington.

He adds: “We are delighted to stage this exhibition with the CLA which already has a wealth of experience offering advice on planning and development of a broad spectrum of farm diversification activities. We are confident that Diversifarm will help all dedicated dairy farmers with their future business making decisions.” 

Diversifarm will be staged in a modern exhibition hall in a prime location at the centre of an event which has a well established visitor audience of over 12,000. The Dairy Event is recognised by farmers and exhibitors as one of the top business to business events in the industry.

Exhibitors can find out more details by requesting a copy of the Dairy Event 2005 Stand Space Schedule from Event Manager Richard Evans on 01926 887477.