FARMERS and growers may have the opportunity to receive subsidised training at a fraction of the full cost, as part of a new scheme launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF).

Courses available under the England Rural Development Vocational Training Scheme (VTS) include practical skills such as cattle foot trimming, DIY, AI, grassland management, coppicing, hedge-laying, tree planting and woodland management. Two meat processing courses - 'Meat smoking' and 'Gate to plate' - are part of a specialist event that will provide information on setting up meat retailing businesses, including legislation and where to purchase the right equipment.

Various training events are planned that will include one-to-one specialised computer training, and training in business management, financial management and marketing skills.

Some training will take place on-farm, but where alternative venues are used, they will be arranged as conveniently as possible. Course charges vary; prices can be obtained by calling the specific training provider. However, courses are in many cases subsidised by as much as 75pc.

The first three training providers to have had their bids approved under the scheme are all Yorkshire-based groups, and they will provide a total of 1,350 training places. Of these, 750 will be organised by Lantra registered training providers; 570 by Land-based and Rura1 Training (who plan to use centres at Malton, York, Stokesley and Northallerton); and 180 by Gateway to Rural Training. The remaining 600 places will be created by the Workers' Educational Association.

Anyone interested in any type of land-based training or who would like details of their nearest training provider should contact Lantra Connect on (0845) 707 8007. For more information about the Vocational Training Scheme, contact your MAFF regional service centre.