The success of three new rural living projects is to be celebrated with a reception at Dumfries Show this Saturday (August 4).
One year on from their launch, representatives from the Dumfries and Galloway Dairy Women’s Network; the Health and Wellbeing in the Farming Community Project and the region’s Retired Farming Social Group will be recognised for their achievements over the past 12 months.
Several local politicians are also expected to join National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland members on the Union’s stand at the reception, which will be sponsored by Savills.
About the programmes
D&G Dairy Women Network was set up to connect all women working in the agricultural industry to support, inspire and network.
The Health and Wellbeing in the Farming Community Project aims to bring the farming community and key partner organisations together to tackle health and wellbeing.
Earlier this month, it was announced the project would be awarded £14,800 from the Scottish Government and the European Union LEADER 2014-2020 programme.
The Retired Farming Group is one of the programmes supported by the Health and Wellbeing in the Farming Community Projects.
The group, which is driven by Alzheimer Scotland and the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) looks to provide opportunities for those who have spent their life farming to come together for a chat and a cuppa.
‘Building resilience within the industry’
Regional chairman, Rupert Shaw, who farms at Gledpark, near Borgue, said: “As we continue to face the ongoing challenges created by extremely volatile weather these past 14 months, I feel it is important to showcase and celebrate our regional projects that continue to build resilience within our industry.
These projects demonstrate that the strong desire within farming circles to help ourselves can be further boosted by simple co-operation.
“All three of the projects we are celebrating demonstrate a willingness to drive forward friendships, teamwork, knowledge and capacity.
“I publicly thank all those who have been involved and wish them continued success. We should be proud of these initiatives which deserve to be adopted Scotland-wide.”
