CRAVEN farmers are being invited to the launch of a new business support initiative run by SAC Consulting and funded through The Prince’s Countryside Fund.

The new two-year project aims to help local farmers maximise their income by encouraging them to take stock of their business and supporting them in their decision making.

As well as establishing regular meetings for local farmers where they can discuss various issues, the project will provide 15 farms with detailed business reviews, looking at both financial and technical performance to help them find a position of stability and sustainability.

There will also be a number of drop-in clinics, run throughout the spring 2015, open to all farms in the area.

Farmers will be able to book a one-hour one-to-one to discuss specific issues, which may range from animal health concerns to cash flow worries and how the new Basic Payment Scheme will affect their business.

The launch event - at Hawes Auction Mart on Thursday, October 30 from 1pm - will also be the first meeting of the Dales Farming Group, which will include all local farmers who attend and which will then meet regularly to discuss aspects of the farming business, supported by project organisers SAC Consulting.

For more information, contact SAC Consulting on 01539 566226.