CAFRE has announced that new applications to the Business Development Groups (BDG) scheme must be submitted before 4pm on Thursday 21 December 2017.
![](https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/daera/news/PA185-A-17%20Photo.jpg?itok=y1tkVpM_×tamp=1513265735)
Eric Long, Head of Development Service at CAFRE, encourages all eligible farmers to apply: “With the application window for Business Development Groups closing in the next few days, I would encourage farmers and growers to apply to the scheme before the closing date on Thursday 21 December at 4pm.”
Business Development Groups (BDG) aim to improve the technical and business efficiency of farm businesses. Working in groups encourages farmers to learn from each other. Independent research has shown that farmers in discussion groups were up to 20% more likely to adopt new technologies and best management practices and as a result, achieved higher profit margins.
Each BDG member will attend up to eight training events per year, benchmark the performance of their business and produce a development plan tailored to their farm. Sharing their farm performance information with other group members and hosting a group training event are very important elements of the scheme.
Business Development Groups are open to all farmers who are interested in improving the efficiency of their farm, working together, sharing ideas and learning how other farmers solve problems. Business Development Groups will help give farmers the skills to assess how their farm is performing and plan for the future development of their business.
Business Development Groups is part-funded by the EU through the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.
To make an application to the Business Development Group scheme and for further information visit the CAFRE website, call 028 9442 6790 or e-mail kt.admin@daera-ni.gov.uk.
Notes to editors:
- College of Agriculture Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is responsible for the delivery of the Knowledge Transfer, Innovation and Cooperation – Business Development Groups.
- For more information on the Business Development Groups Scheme, please e-mail kt.admin@daera-ni.gov.uk or call Knowledge Transfer Administration on 028 9442 6790.
- The Business Development Groups Scheme is part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
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- All media enquiries to DAERA Press Office, pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or tel: 028 9052 4619.
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