THE Farmer Network - which has a branch in the Dales - is embarking on a new chapter after managing director Paul Harper announced his intention to step down from the role.

With a core group of farmers, Paul helped take forward an idea in 2004 and made it into the successful organisation it is today.

The Network now has two branches - the other is in Cumbria - with just over 700 members, 10 employees, a team of contractors and volunteers and a turnover of between £300,000 and £500,000 a year.

It is one of only two networks in England that is self-financing without the need of grant support to cover core costs.

“Paul has been a key person in setting up The Network," said chairman Will Rawling, one of the founder members. “He quietly gets on with running the business and helping us deliver services that really make a difference to farmers in the two counties we work in.”

The way the Network operates is very different to most other networks. Paul and his management team work with members, listen to their needs and involve them in setting up and running new services to benefit members and the wider community.

Paul said: “I have seen great benefits in our approach, particularly in the farmers we work with, from being angry and frustrated to being more open to change, confident and forward looking and realising they are capable of making a difference by working together.”

Paul is still hoping to work for the Network.