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What does the Options Programme involve?
- Some preparation work by you and your family
- A farm visit by your adviser
- The drawing up of an Action Plan
- Support, advice and training in making the plan a reality
- Referral to other relevant agencies where appropriate
Preparation
The more effort you put into the programme the greater the benefits you will get from the programme. Good preparation means making time to complete worksheets, doing some figures, doing some homework, doing some research, attending relevant events and taking time to think about your situation, your options and your future.
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Pat and Ann Meehan with
their three girls
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Farm Visit
On the farm visit the adviser will discuss with you, your particular situation. The aim will be to:
- establish a true picture of your situation in terms of income and expenditure
- identify the most important issues for you now and into the future
- determine what level of household income you need now and how this is likely to change into the future
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answer questions
such as:
- what are the strengths and weaknesses of your current farm business
- is the farm capable of meeting your future income needs
- is planned investment your best option
A major part of the farm visit and following discussions with you adviser will involve exploring options or ways in which you can address your current and future needs. The adviser will help you identify realistic options to bring in more income and or improve your quality of life. The approach will be to rule nothing in or out at the start. Through discussion and often further research the best options are explored further and finally an agreed way forward is arrived at.
The Action Plan
The Action Plan:
- summarises your current situation in terms of income, expenditure, long term goals
- sets out agreed actions to address your particular needs
- identifies additional advice and training necessary to allow you implement the plan successfully
- identifies when referral to other agencies is appropriate
Support in implementing the Action Plan
The plan is only of use if it is implemented. Your adviser is there to support you in every way possible. This may involve additional technical or financial advice, advice on supplementary enterprises or training.
Referral
Where referral to other agencies such as FAS, the VEC, County Enterprise Board, the local Partnership or Leader is recommended in the Action Plan your adviser will support you in making this happen.
