Future Farms in Business

Project OverviewFuture Farms in Business is the third phase of funded activity carried out by the emerging Future Farms Partnership. It focuses on implementing a planning application for three dwellings on farm estate owned by Powys County Council, and recruiting growers to take on the dwellings and accompanying new horticultural enterprises. The project will also support the Partnership to increase local networking between growers and their potential market, as well as advocating for more small-scale nature friendly horticulture enterprises in Wales.The Partnership includes representatives from:Social Farms & GardensOur Food 1200Landworkers’ AllianceEcological Land CooperativeShared AssetsBlack Mountains CollegeGwlad ConsortiumCultivate – North and South Powys Sustainable Food Places PartnershipsLantraPowys County CouncilEco Dyfi – Pathways to FarmingNature Friendly Farming NetworkPhase 1A market feasibility study for micro-holdings to support a horticulture enterprise with a dwelling in Powys as part of a small collection of neighbouring enterprises.Phase 2Development of Supplementary Planning Guidance for Powys County Council interpreting the existing Technical Advice Note (TAN) 6 and submission of a planning application for the building of three temporary dwellings on a site in the village of Sarn, Newtown, linked to viable horticulture businesses on the site (each around 5 acres).Phase 3 (the focus of this evaluation)The activity is split into four workstreamsGrower Journey: Seeking expressions of interest from potential growers to live and work on the site, selecting growers, training opportunities (potential and delivered).Site Development: Subject to planning approval, undertake first stages of the build (utility connections/ alternative provision, access, hard standings, packing shed).Messaging & Replication: This project is a practical example of one way in which we can increase the opportunity for rural enterprise for local people through increasing the demand and supply of fruit and vegetables needed to meet our nation’s dietary needs.Network Building: New growers will be supported by a wider network of growers, we will work with potential customers (including public sector) to help drive demand for new produce.Next Proposed PhasesFurther infrastructure development on the site in Sarn to meet the needs of the micro enterprises.Reflection, refinement and replication of the model elsewhere in Wales.Ongoing support to develop the market for local fruit and vegetables across Wales.Support to upskill existing and new growers with a particular focus on agroecology.Evaluation RequirementsEvaluation will be focused on capturing learning from this pilot to influence future activity and strategies that challenge the existing structures inhibiting access to land for agroecological food production.The final evaluation report will be required to capture the opportunities, challenges, successes and learning points for:Local Authorities wishing to maximise the potential of their land assetsThose seeking to open up access to land for agroecological, regenerative food production for local markets.Landworkers and land-seekersOther landowners – public and private.The evaluation report will be shared widely and must be an accessible document that brings the pilot to life and with the intention that the pilot’s recommendations can, and will, be implemented elsewhere in Wales.Requirements:Evaluation will be embedded into the project activity from the outset (once evaluators appointed). Evaluators will work closely with the Partnership and Workstream groups and provide advice and guidance to make data collection simple and consistent.Data collection will focus on qualitative data (e.g., interviews, consultation extracts) although some quantitative data may be included (e.g., no of officers; no of consultations). Please note that the Project Management team will collect output data.Evaluators will participate in at least one Partnership Meeting (December) to ensure findings are embedded in the wider picture of land access for horticulture.Evaluators will meet with at least eight specified members of the Partnership on a 1:1 basis to collect data.Evaluators will also collect data from other stakeholders including local residents, applicants for the dwellings and other growers in the area.Evaluators will visit the identified farm in Powys for face-to-face discussion with stakeholders at least once during the project.Evaluators will keep abreast of planning legislation, policy and other initiatives in Powys and further afield in Wales, to ensure the final report is in tune with wider strategies and practices.SF&G will be responsible for translation and printing of the evaluation and distributing the report.Outputs – by end December 2024One approved and designed evaluation report ready for distribution.One accessible Executive Summary ready for distribution.Essential criteria for participationExperience of evaluating farming, horticulture, or other land-based projects in Wales.Evidence of engaging a wide range of stakeholders including citizens, third sector organisations, businesses, farmers and local authorities.Understanding of policy developments in planning, land use and horticulture food production in Wales.Ability to complete the work within the specified timeframes.Ability to meet with Partnership participants in Powys.Willingness to work in Welsh and English.Process for applicationsPlease provide quotation on letter headed paper with details of any applicable VAT.Please use the criteria above to demonstrate your suitability for this piece of work.Please send your response to [email protected] by 5pm on Monday 26 August 2024.A selection exercise will then take place with awarding of the work by 29 August 2024.Contact for further information:Alison Sheffield, Project Coordinator,Social Farms & [email protected] 542 853www.farmgarden.org.uk