How to start a farm cluster
In a Farming Focus™ bonus episode, Mel Bradley and Ben Mortimer return to the podcast to discuss the main considerations and practical aspects of starting and running a successful farm cluster group, based on their experiences with the Kenn Valley group in Devon.
Forming a farm cluster
Mel explains the first step in starting a farm cluster is finding common ground, often based on geographical proximity such as a shared water catchment area. Initial conversations can start with just one or two farmers and bringing in a social element, such as food, can help facilitate early discussions.
While encouraging groups to grow, Mel emphasises the importance of keeping the group to a manageable size: “One of the things we try to do is not make it too enormous, so that it's manageable and everyone can feel a part of it by not making it too big,” says Mel.
She sees the ideal size as one which achieves a balance between having enough voices and perspectives, while still being able to coordinate and engage everyone.
Diverse mix of skills and characters
To build a successful cluster, Mel highlights the value of having a diverse mix of participants, including not just farmers, but others such as advisors, land agents, lawyers and even academics. Referring to the Kenn Valley group, she explains: “It's a real mix of skill sets and together it's actually really powerful.”
The role of a facilitator
Both Mel and Ben emphasise the critical role of a facilitator to keep the cluster group progressing. The facilitator handles the administrative tasks, but more importantly, manages the stakeholder relationships and engagement.
Podcast host Peter Green encapsulates this as, “The need to understand the different people who have an interest in the outcome of what you are doing and understanding that they're all going to have different perspectives, and will have different ways of approaching problems, and different ways of reacting to situations.”
Mel reiterates this is a central part of the facilitator's role, sharing examples of navigating tricky situations where not all members are aligned on the group's direction, requiring careful communication and relationship-building.
Practical aspects of cluster meetings
The Kenn Valley cluster meetings tend to have a loose, informal structure, often held in local pubs or on members' farms, the relaxed settings helping to maintain engagement and interest among the members.
Group chair Ben describes how they incorporate a mix of discussions, external speakers and even practical on-farm activities: “We had a meeting on my farm where we were digging holes in the field to look for earthworms. It was probably the totally wrong time of year to be doing it, and it was not the warmest day, but people still came out because there was interest there.”
Funding and financial contributions
Despite the Natural England Facilitation Fund currently being on hold, Mel outlines other funding options available for farm clusters, such as grants from organisations focused on specific areas like natural beauty or biodiversity.
To supplement external funding, the Kenn Valley group has implemented a small financial contribution from each member, which Mel and Ben agree has been an important factor in encouraging commitment and investment in the group's activities.
“It's a commitment to being part of that group and absolutely every single member agreed that it was the right thing to do,” says Mel.
Informal collaboration and community engagement
Farm clusters can also foster increased informal collaboration among members, breaking down barriers and facilitating the sharing of resources like equipment according to Mel and Ben.
“It probably went on prior to the group anyway,” says Ben. “But I think it's opened up channels to further that relationship. You just become more familiar with everyone.”
Looking ahead, Mel sees significant potential for the cluster to serve as a conduit for broader community engagement, given the scale and diversity of the group: “The group is still really early in terms of engaging with their local community, but we're starting to work out how we're going to communicate what we're doing. This podcast, for example, is saying that we’re here.
“Other organisations are interested in us because we're actually quite a significant entity in terms of the scale. And I think longer term, there is definite potential to engage with the local community of people around the area.”
Listen to the full episode at https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/news-advice/farming-focus-podcast/ - also available via Spotify and Apple podcasts.