51AVÊÓÆµ

Last chance to register for The Royal Countryside Fund's 51AVÊÓÆµfor the Future programme

The programme offers free environmental and business skills training across England

Emily Ashworth
Digital Editor
clock • 2 min read
The window for applying is coming to an end
Image:

The window for applying is coming to an end

With an aim to help strengthen rural communities and secure the future of many small, family farms and businesses across the country, The Royal Countryside Fund is once again running its free 2023 51AVÊÓÆµfor the Future programme for farming families in England.

Offering support and free business and environmental skills, welcome meetings commence this month (November 2023).Ìý

Over the last three years, 51AVÊÓÆµfor the Future has been highly successful with 95 per cent of participating farms saying they have increased confidence in their ability to plan for the future.Ìý

LISTEN NOW:

Inspired by its founder, HM King Charles III, The Royal Countryside Fund acts as a catalyst, enabling change and developing resilience, working with local partners who deliver the bespoke programmes of support.

What is on offer?ÌýÌý

  • Workshop on business efficiency
  • Workshop on environmental scheme
  • Get to know your local farming community
  • Bespoke workshops tailored to your interests
  • Ongoing one-to-one support

Support varies, with in-person groups in 18 regions across England, plus a virtual group allowing farmers to access support within their own home.

Andrew and Laura, who run a beef farm in Staffordshire participated in the programme in 2022. They both attended the virtual workshops which they reported as being helpful as they find it difficult to get away from the farm.

Reflecting on the programme, Laura said: "The programme was fantastic and would absolutely recommend the programme to other farmers. Christina Hutchings, the coordinator of the online group, was fantastic in organising the workshops, and provided a lot of communication."Ìý

To find your local group, visitÌý. Registration for the 2023/24 programme is closing soon.

More on Funding

Opinion: A busy week for Defra with SFI and CSHT announcements

Opinion: A busy week for Defra with SFI and CSHT announcements

Farmers Guardian deputy editor Alex Black discusses the latest announcements on farm funding

Alex Black
clock 03 July 2026 • 2 min read
Defra unveils £50m peatland restoration package

Defra unveils £50m peatland restoration package

£10m set aside for Paludiculture and Wetter Farming Fund as Gov seeks to prevent further degradation and carbon loss

Jane Thynne
clock 29 June 2026 • 3 min read
ADOPT grant funding limit increased

ADOPT grant funding limit increased

Defra has confirmed an increased funding limit for the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies fund

Alex Black
clock 15 June 2026 • 2 min read