Agriculture is the dominant user of rural land, accounting for about 70% of the UK land area. There is increasing demand to find diverse means of using rural resources to ensure the continued viability of the rural economy. There is therefore need to further develop the skills in farm management and develop new business opportunities, be that farm diversification, value added enterprises, on-farm but non-farm activities or other rural developments to ensure that the future of the rural economy will be secured. This programme therefore aims to enhance the capacity of farm managers and those working in closely associated industries to perform within shifting economic and policy environments.
The course will focus on effective use of agricultural resources and the opportunities this presents to the rural economy. The course will seek to enable individuals to develop leadership skills while becoming more creative, flexible and innovative entrepreneurs with a high level of transferable skills. It will support students to identify opportunities offered by the changing economy. Teaching will be contexualised presentations of theory with direct practical consideration, utilising a practical knowledge base of the rural environment. By combining this with a sound understanding of business development and policy it will enable participants to maximise on opportunities identified.
The course is designed for existing owner-managers, directors and managers of farm-based businesses, and those who aspire to this level of career development. We expect participants, whilst not necessarily formally educated to undergraduate level, will be well informed and committed to the subject area. This course will provide the necessary focus for growth-orientated businesses to develop.
