Farm applicant training

Norfolk County Council, in conjunction with Anglia Rural Consultants (ARC), is offering an intensive training course specifically designed to assist new entrants and those unfamiliar with producing a business plan.

This free course will be delivered over one session from 9.00am to 4:30pm on Tuesday 12th March 2024 at Norfolk County Council, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich NR1 2DH.

Course content

There is intense competition for a farm tenancy; not many are available and there are more applicants than tenancies. Landlords will normally ask for a business plan; this will support the application and will demonstrate that the rent tendered can be afforded - it is a key document. It should demonstrate a knowledge of farming and be a realistic summary of the system that the applicant would develop. It should be built on their experience, skills and aspirations and will show that the rent is affordable.

The course is designed to support those applying for Norfolk County Council farms and will be delivered as a mixture of presentations and individual work produced by the attendees working on their own applications.

There will be ample opportunities for discussion and questions. At the end, delegates will feel more confident in their ability to present a strong and convincing application to any potential landlord.

Register for the course

Unfortunately, numbers will be restricted to 20 potential applicants, with no more than 2 people per application (a total of 40 people).

We expect demand to be high for this course and wish to underline that this course is designed for new entrants and those who are unfamiliar with preparing a business plan. If you are confident in your ability to produce a plan, then please consider whether this course is appropriate for you.

Please note that attendance on the course will not be a factor considered when assessing applications. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. However, if the course is significantly oversubscribed, the Council reserves the right to draw applicants at random.

Please note that lunch will be provided. To register for a place, please email county.farms@norfolk.gov.uk with the subject of your email "Farm Applicant Training" and provide your name (together with the name of any partner attending with you), any dietary requirements and allergies and contact details.

Closing date is 5pm Wednesday 6th March 2024.