Increasing skills for West Midlands growers
Experts from the UK’s leading organic growing charity, Garden Organic, will be helping to increase the skills of the West Midlands' commercial horticultural producers through a new and exciting range of training, all with 80% funding towards the cost from LandSkills West Midlands.
Running throughout January until the end of March 2011 training focuses on the areas of machinery for intensive horticulture, plant propagation for intensive vegetable production, pruning of top fruit orchards for effective pest and disease management, novel vegetable crops and non-chemical weed management for vegetable production.
Phil Sumption at Garden Organic said: “This training aims to equip growers with the skills necessary to face the challenges facing producers today. Technical skills on how to produce crops sustainably without chemicals will enable growers to produce quality crops while reducing their carbon footprint and above all increasing their profitability. ”
Managed by Lantra on behalf of Advantage West Midlands, LandSkills West Midlands aims to boost the skills of the regions farmers, foresters and growers through funded training.
LandSkills West Midlands Project Officer, Michelle Ball, added: ““With over 8,000 people working in the region’s production horticulture industry there is huge potential for businesses to benefit from the activities available through Garden Organic. And with 80% funding towards the cost there is no excuse not to get involved.”
Available to producers with a holding number in the West Midlands (including West Midlands, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire) for just £24 (£28.80 inc.VAT) each course thanks to 80% funding from LandSkills West Midlands. Producers outside of the region can also attend the course for £40 (£48 inc.VAT).
To see all of the courses available visit www.gardenorganic.org.uk. To book your place contact Phil Sumption at Garden Organic 024 7621 7744 - psumption@gardenorganic.org.uk. For more information about other LandSkills West Midlands funded training visit www.lantra.co.uk/LandSkills-WM.
