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A South Korean delegation has visited a Durham farm to learn how the region is helping rural businesses diversify and expand to secure a bright future.
Durham Rural Community Council (DRCC) is a registered charity having supported rural communities in Durham since 1935.
They have management responsibilities for the East Durham LEADER project and played host to the group of 11 South Koreans who were exploring ways of encouraging farms to diversify, addressing the issue of older farmers retiring and the younger generation not being interested in following in the footsteps of their families.
As one of four LEADER groups across the region, East Durham share £4.5m of Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) funding through One North East, which aim to develop more sustainable rural communities through a community-led, bottom up approach.
Representatives from the public sector, local businesses, land managers, residents and local voluntary groups come together to form the Local Action Group (LAG) who have responsibility for local decision making.
The visit came about through Senior Policy Officer for South Korea, Namgeun Song, who is studying at Newcastle University and attended a Northern Rural Network event last year and became interested in the LEADER model.
Namgeun said: “I noticed a lot of similarities between the region’s farms and ours and the problem of younger farmers being interested in progressing it as a career. The LEADER programme is delivered by people who have a real understanding of rural issues and it struck me as an innovative approach that I wanted to find out more about and possibly implement in South Korea.
“We have all found the trip and discussions extremely worthwhile and are very appreciative of the warm reception we have experienced.”
The delegation visited Embleton Hall Dairies and A&E Thompson green waste composting services, which was a local farm that diversified into these activities due to the changes in farming.
A&E Thompson owner Andrew Thompson, chairman of East Durham LEADER, said: “South Korea is going through similar issues that we are familiar with such as older farmers retiring and the younger generation choosing to progress a different career.
“Namgeun thought that funding provided through LEADER through the RDPE programme to help farms diversify and build a more successful business was something that they could take back to their colleagues and possibly implement.”
Jo Laverick, Chief Executive of DRCC, added: “We have thoroughly enjoyed playing host to them and hope that they can take inspiration from what we do to benefit their rural community.”
Following the farm visit, the delegation attended an informative presentation by Louise Johnson, LEADER Manager, at the Greenhills Centre, Wheatley Hill, introducing the LEADER model and how community decision making can be successfully implemented, this was followed by an informal discussion with LAG members.
The evening ended with a meal at a local pub where traditional farm food was on the menu, the delegates were keen to stay on a working farm, and were accommodated at Hamsteels Hall Farm in Quebec which has combined a working farm with bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation.
Community transport providers were used throughout the visit and handmade gifts were supplied by local business Chocs away.
For further information please contact East Durham LEADER Manager Louise Johnson, Greenhills Community Centre, Wheatley Hill 01429 824743 alternatively e mail louise@eastdurhamleader.org.uk or visit the website www.durhamrcc.org.uk/eastdurhamleader
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For more information, contact Alison Laggan (press office) on 0191 229 6613, mobile 07766 424400 or email alison.laggan@onenortheast.co.uk
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