Farming Connect Support from Ceres Rural: Expert Advice for Welsh Farming Businesses

As a trusted agricultural consultancy, Ceres Rural is proud to deliver both fully funded one-to-one advice and subsidised consultancy services through the Farming Connect programme, helping farmers make informed decisions and build resilient businesses for the future.

What is Farming Connect?

Farming Connect is a Welsh Government-funded initiative that supports farming businesses across Wales through advice, training, knowledge exchange and consultancy services. The programme enables eligible farming businesses to access professional support across a wide range of agricultural, environmental and business management topics.

With the increasing challenges facing the agricultural sector, including changing regulations, market volatility, sustainability requirements and succession considerations, access to independent expert advice has never been more valuable.

Fully Funded One-to-One Advice

Eligible Welsh farming businesses can access fully funded one-to-one consultations through Farming Connect, delivered by experienced consultants from Ceres Rural.

These consultations are available in three formats:

Digital Consultation

• Up to 1 hour online or by telephone

On-Farm Consultation

• Up to 2 hours on your farm

Drop-In Event Consultation

• Up to 1 hour at a Farming Connect event

These sessions can cover a wide range of topics, including business management, farm performance, environmental opportunities and carbon-related matters.

Specialist Consultancy with Funding Support

For businesses requiring more in-depth support, Farming Connect also offers access to specialist consultancy services with funding of up to 80% available for eligible businesses.

Through Farming Connect, Ceres Rural can provide tailored advice and support in areas such as:

Business Reviews and Benchmarking

Understanding how your business is performing is the first step towards identifying opportunities for improvement. Our consultants can help analyse farm performance, benchmark results and identify practical actions to improve profitability and efficiency.

Strategic and Succession Planning

Planning for the future is essential for every farming business. We work with farming families and businesses to develop practical, long-term strategies that support business continuity and successful succession.

Carbon Audits and Environmental Advice

Environmental management is increasingly important within modern farming systems. Ceres Rural can help you understand your carbon footprint, identify opportunities for improvement and navigate evolving environmental requirements.

Diversification Opportunities

Exploring alternative income streams can strengthen business resilience. From tourism and renewable energy opportunities to adding value to existing enterprises, our consultants can help assess viable diversification options.

Farm Business Development

Every farm business is unique. Our advisers provide practical, independent support designed around your specific objectives, helping you make informed decisions that support sustainable growth.

Why Work with Ceres Rural?

Ceres Rural combines the expertise of a national consultancy with the responsiveness and independence of a dedicated specialist team. Our consultants provide practical, experience-led advice tailored to the needs of individual farming businesses.

We offer support across a broad range of agricultural disciplines, including:

• Business planning
• Technical grassland and crop management
• Agri-environment and biodiversity advice
• Diversification and added-value opportunities
• Carbon advice
• Risk management and health & safety support

Our objective is simple: to help farmers make confident decisions that improve business performance, resilience and long-term sustainability.

Who Can Access Farming Connect Support?

To access Farming Connect funding, applicants must be farming in Wales and registered with Farming Connect. Individuals wishing to access services through the business will also need to complete the relevant registration process.

If you’re unsure about eligibility or need help navigating the process, the Ceres Rural team can provide guidance and support.

Need Help Registering?

If you need assistance registering with Farming Connect, understanding available funding options or identifying the most appropriate consultancy support for your business, we’re here to help.

Contact the Ceres Rural Team

Whether you’re looking for a fully funded one-to-one consultation or more detailed consultancy support, our experienced team can help you make the most of the opportunities available through Farming Connect.

Tel: 01743 718002
Email: shrewsbury@ceresrural.co.uk