To thrive in the 21st century, Scottish farmers need to become more business focused and enterprising to identify new income streams and capitalise on non-traditional markets.
That’s the message from learndirect scotland for business, as it launches the Harvesting ice cream - whatever next? campaign to encourage small businesses in the agricultural sector to consider the benefits of workplace learning.
Farm businesses make a significant contribution to the local and national economy and learndirect scotland is committed to working with them and partner organisations to identify the skills needed to diversify and grow their businesses. This could be anything from ice cream-making to ostrich farming, dried flower production or clay pigeon shooting.
In partnership with Lantra, the sector skills council for the environmental and land-based sector, learndirect scotland for business is working with businesses in the agricultural sector, whether they are ready to diversify or just want things to run a bit more smoothly.
As well as providing free and impartial training information and advice, learndirect scotland for business can help find courses and ways to learn that fit in with the way agricultural businesses work, including flexible on-the-job training.
Businesses who want to find out more should contact the national business training advice line on 08456 000 111. Callers will also receive a free DVD, commissioned by Lantra, which highlights the benefits of workplace learning.