Cornish farmers are being given a great opportunity to benefit from – and shape – a groundbreaking project helping rural dwellers tackle the business and personal challenges they face in 2020.

Organisers of Two Minute Farmer (2MF), an initiative assisting farming families to solve complex problems by breaking them down into manageable chunks, are holding meetings across Cornwall that are open to all farmers.

The first is being held at the Royal Standard, Gwinear on January 29, 7.30pm until 9pm. The second is at the Sportsmans Arms, Menheniot on February 5, 7.30pm-9.00pm.

The events will give visitors the chance to hear talks, access 2MF resources and share their thoughts on the priorities the project should focus on in the months ahead. It is also a chance for visitors to socialise with like-minded people and have a free supper.

It follows four successful such events late last year at The Royal Standard in Gwinear, Sportsmans Arms in Menheniot and Eliot House Hotel in Liskeard, when south west farmers received insights into ways to improve their businesses and wellbeing, based on the 2MF philosophy of approaching big issues by dividing them down into bite-sized parts. Attendees said they really enjoyed the events and hope there are more to come.

“As we go into 2020, farmers face many challenges, pressures and uncertainties,” said Harriet Houseman, a researcher at 2MF.

“Life can sometimes be so complicated and present so many conflicting priorities that it’s easy to not take effective action.

“We want to help people identify their own priorities – across a range of areas including production, legislation, finance and family – and, in so doing, devise ways of developing more efficient, resilient, enjoyable businesses and a better work-life balance.”

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund - and spearheaded by Duchy College and Stephens Scown solicitors with support from the Agri-tech Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Project – 2MF collaborates with local businesses and charities in its mission to help farmers assess and improve their farms in two-minute bursts, unpacking complex issues into more manageable chunks.

“It will be an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere at the event, with attendees able to learn about some of the big challenges surrounding farming and helping them prepare for the future,” added Harriet.

“There is already lots of advice and resources such as short films on our website, but we’re also aiming to make a downloadable booklet available in March. This will condense some of the key 2MF information and messages, helping farming families think about some of the big questions that they’ve either previously not had time to consider or perhaps even brushed under the carpet.”

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