A programme helping farmers to improve their businesses' resilience, enhance their farm environment, and adjust to climate change is coming to Oxfordshire.

From 1 February 2024, livestock farmers in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Berkshire will have access to The 'Farm for the Future Programme'.

The programme will be delivered by Pasture for Life and the Royal Countryside Fund, and funded by Defra's Future Farm Resilience Fund.

Oxford Mail: Farmers at a launch event for the scheme in OxfordshireFarmers at a launch event for the scheme in Oxfordshire (Image: Ian Boyd, Pasture for Life)

The six-month scheme will provide a series of free, interactive livestock workshops led by experienced and inspiring farmers.

The event is due to take place at the Royal Agricultural University featuring talks by a university academic and Pasture Life's head of research Nikki Yoxall.

Tenants or owner-occupiers currently receiving support from the Basic Payment Scheme in England are eligible to join the programme.

Participating farmers will join the Royal Countryside Find’s Farm Resilience Network.

They’ll have access to resource banks and ongoing support.

The programme also offers farmers a complimentary year-long introductory membership of Pasture for Life.

To apply, farmers should contact Sarah Williams at sarah.williams@pastureforlife.org.uk or register their interest on the Royal Countryside Fund website.

Simultaneously, Pasture for Life has inaugurated the Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes Programme in the Cotswolds, Chilterns and North Wessex Downs.

This initiative will give free mentoring and events to farmers in these protected areas interested in integrating grazing animals to boost farm profits and biodiversity.

This initiative will run until March 2025.