We were commissioned by Ricardo-AEA Ltd to create a Crofter Case Study to promote the Farm Advisory Service’s mentoring programme.
The Farm Advisory Service (FAS) is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP), which is dedicated to supplying information and resources to increase the profitability and sustainability of farms and crofts.
As the success of new farmers is critical to the industry’s long-term sustainability, the Scottish Government funds the Farm Advisory Service’s mentoring programme. The programme matches new farmers and crofters with a skilled mentor in their field, who can impart detailed knowledge ranging from agriculture, animal welfare, finance and business, conservation, or forestry and woodland skills.
The case study that we created followed Islay Roberts at Glen Caladh Tea Farm, based in Tighnabruaich. Islay began her farming journey four years prior, and has since benefited from the FAS mentoring programme. Beverly Wainwright, the owner Scottish Tea Factory, advised Islay and provided the Glen Caladh Farm with specialist knowledge, which was critical for the growth of the farm, and to help Islay become more confident as a farmer.
We collected footage from the farm itself, whilst also conducting an interview with Islay to gain perspective as to why the programme has helped her and her farm in the learning process.
Client Ricardo AEA
Date March 2024
File under Interviews and Talking Heads
