Diversifarm Features Renewables at the Dairy Event and Livestock Show 2009-Aug-03

Opportunities in renewables will feature within Diversifarm, the exhibition covering a comprehensive range of farm diversification activities to be held at the Dairy Event and Livestock Show, to be staged at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 16 and 17 September by its organisers the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers.

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Diversifarm, which is once again being jointly staged by RABDF and sponsors, the Country Land and Business Association, will provide information on opportunities for farmers considering diversification. Advice and support will be available on how to fully utilise their existing farm assets, such as redundant farm buildings or an area of land to create a new income stream and boost revenue from non-food enterprises.

“Interest in farm produced renewable energy is high”, says CLA director North, Douglas Chalmers. “Farmers are keen to know more about generating power and heat for their own requirements, and selling any surplus. This in itself is important enough, however with environmental regulations tightening, the benefits gained by reducing slurry handling and waste management requirements are also very attractive.” He adds: “Diversification opportunities are far wider than simply renewables, and visitors to the CLA stand in previous years have brought queries ranging from specialising in another farming operation through visitor attractions, to employing family or staff off the farm altogether. Diversification comes in degrees, and must suit the people as well as the land and buildings.”

Event manager, Richard Evans adds: “Diversifarm is once again being staged in response to farmers’ intentions. Market research carried out at previous events has found that 27% of farmer visitors had already diversified in to areas such as tourism, sports facilities, processing, retailing and office or industrial lets, however more than 34% were planning to do so in future. Diversifarm is designed to offer visitors the chance to examine their existing enterprises, understand the marketplace, determine how they can exploit their resources and then make informed business decisions. It’s an exhibition that is proving popular with exhibitors and one to develop for the future.”

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