RDP Business Development Groups

How will Business Development Groups work?

Discussion groups have been used throughout the world, in all agricultural sectors, as a way to improve farm business performance. They provide a forum for peer to peer learning, sharing ideas and an opportunity to keep up-to-date with new technology.

The Business Development Groups scheme was launched in November 2015 and today there are over 140 groups in operation. Each BDG will comprise around 20 like-minded farmers who will meet six times a year to focus on the topics agreed by the group. The group are managed by a dedicated facilitator and activities include on-farm meetings, demonstrations and skills training.

Farmers participating in the scheme benefit from benchmarking their business to identify areas that have the potential to be improved. A business development plan helps identify the actions to be taken to improve the technical efficiency of the business and improve the sustainability of the farm.

As participants work to improve the efficiency of their businesses, they can be awarded credits that will build towards gaining a level 3 qualification.

What are the benefits to farmers?

• a clear development plan for your business
• improve your profitability
• keep up to date with the latest technologies
• access to a CAFRE Development Adviser
• option to gain a qualification
• meet with like-minded individuals

Important information

• Business Development Groups scheme notes for farmers
• Business Development Groups questions and answers
• Business Development Groups Scheme - Environmental Farming BDGs (November 2019)

The scheme is currently closed for new applications

Where can you find out more information?

For further information please contact CAFRE Knowledge Transfer Administration by email kt.admin@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone 028 9442 6790.