The business of organic food production

Event Date : January 29, 2015

Introduction to the business of organic food and farming

This seminar is for farmers/farm managers, advisers/land agents, researchers, young people including students/apprentices, and others involved in the food supply chain.

Venue: Organic Research Centre, Elm Farm, Hamstead Marshall, Newbury, RG20 0HR 10 am – 4pm

The seminar will provide an overview of: the current market trends in organic food and case studies of organic businesses, market channel options; adding value through processing, direct selling, supply chains; EU regulations, planned changes, certification and costs; farm conversion planning and costs; financial performance, costs and pricing factors impacting the farm, including industry benchmark figures.

Participants will receive copies of the latest Soil Association Organic Market report and the 2014 Organic Farm Management Handbook and other relevant literature.

Course cost (local and organic lunch & refreshments included):

• Reduced price for eligible participants (see below) £50 + VAT
• Full price for participants not-eligible for funding £100 + VAT
• 100% bursaries available for eligible individuals (see below)

On-line booking is available here. Alternatively, you can register directly and pay by cheque, BACS or credit card by contacting Gillian Woodward.

RDPE support available:

50% fee reduction for English producers and others obtaining a living from agriculture or agricultural products. Eligibility includes producers and employees of producer groups, supply chain businesses, direct retailers, small consultancy businesses, but not multiple retailers, government departments, agencies or public bodies including universities. Participants must be living/working in England. To benefit please download, complete and sign the Trainee Registration form (60kb pdf file) and send to Gillian Woodward at ORC. You can still register and pay on-line.

Bursaries available:

We have funds from various sources, including the Ernest Cook Trust (nationwide), the Gordon Palmer Memorial Trust (Berkshire residents only), and the Greenham Common Trust (West Berkshire residents only) to enable young people (students/apprentices/new entrants) with limited means to attend the seminars. If you think you may qualify, for any of the above bursaries please contact Gillian Woodwardwith details of your address, age and circumstances to check eligibility.

For more environmental jobs and courses please see environmentjob.co.uk