After the devastating effects of BSE and foot-and-mouth, the struggle facing the farming profession continues.

Farmers are battling to maintain what for many is their heritage as well as their business. However, relying on existing methods of farming has become increasingly difficult.

The need to reassess individual businesses has become a necessity.

Training Express, of Bradford on Avon, which has provided accredited training and assessment to the land based, construction and industrial sectors for several years, is spearheading a programme of funded courses which will explore the opportunities for diversification.

Training Express is running two courses at five different locations including some in west Wiltshire in January. The first looks at the development of rural businesses which aims to enable farmers to take a fresh look at their business. The second is an introduction to farm tourism aimed at farmers considering entering the tourism market place.

More information from Training Express (01225) 863963.