CALU – GWLAD 0105 – INTRO

WELSH farmers who are considering diversification options within agriculture can now benefit from the latest addition to the Farming Connect network of Development Centres – the Centre for Alternative Land Use (CALU).

Work began at CALU in November under the directorship of Professor Gareth Edwards-Jones from the School of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Wales Bangor.

The University along with its partners, ADAS Wales, Welsh College of Horticulture Northop, Coed Cymru, Biorenewables Ltd and Coleg Llysfasi aims for CALU to become the focal point for technology transfer across a range of non-commodity enterprises, including horticulture, novel crops and livestock, farm woodland management and biomass production.

Geraint Hughes, CALU Manager said, “All of these areas offer real economic opportunities for farmers who want to diversify without turning their backs on land-based production. The establishment of CALU to transfer technology in these areas is very timely in light of recent CAP reforms, the continuing drive to improve sustainability through innovation and the public’s increasing understanding of how our energy, food and goods are produced.”

The team of three fulltime members of staff in CALU is currently putting the foundation and structure in place to provide farmers, processors and other related businesses and organisations with useful up-to-date information on technical requirements and potential markets.

“CALU will identify the barriers to be overcome in taking new enterprises to full commercialisation,” said Mr Hughes. “We will help interested farmers by disseminating information and demonstrating good practice under commercial conditions.”

Future editions of Gwlad will feature regular updates on CALU’s activities. Farmers interested in areas covered by the Centre are urged to contact their local Farming Connect facilitator.