The guide follows the recent launch of its commissioned report which highlighted the many benefits such groups already provide throughout the agricultural community – and identified how the most successful networks operate.

“We discovered all kinds of farmer networks – from buying groups and machinery rings through to farmer discussion groups that have been running for more than 30 years,” says report author Dr Jessica Sellick of rural economy experts Rose Regeneration.  

“Farmer Networks are a potent and farmer-owned means of sustaining agricultural jobs, rural communities and some of our most precious landscapes,” agrees RASE chief executive David Gardner. “But it is vital, if groups are to fulfil their potential that they are given support and guidance to develop in the most sustainable way.”

A few key principles define the most successful networks maintains Mr Gardner.  “Farmer networks only succeed when they are owned and delivered by the farmers they serve. They focus on key issues and challenges which impact farmers ‘in their own back yard’ and have a strong social as well as commercial aspect.

“Farmers must take responsibility therefore, for establishing and governing them. Our step-by-step guide shows how to work within a farming community to establish a viable and dynamic network right from the beginning.”

Developing a network needs sustained planning and investment and the guide covers every stage of the journey – what you need to do, the costs and resources – right from initial establishment through to becoming a fully developed and sustainable network.

The Warwickshire Rural Hub, set up in 2003, by a group of farmers wanting greater control of their own destiny is an excellent example of the farmer networks studied in the RASE report. Initially funded by the government’s rural development service the network is now an independent farmer led community group of over 1,000 businesses with activities that range from farmer workshops and soil management groups to a Festival of the Harvest encouraging children to learn about farming.

“The Hub helps to inspire its members to do something different, to embrace change and learn from each other” Henry Lucas, Warwickshire Rural Hub Chairman

The 33 page, comprehensive Forming a Farmer Network – Practitioner Guide  is free to anyone interested in forming a Farmer Network and can be obtained by contacting www.thefarmernetwork.co.uk and http://www.rase.org.uk/.