Food producers to benefit from IT training

8:17pm Sunday 18th May 2008

BESPOKE training in IT for food producers is on offer throughout the county this summer.

The training is being provided by Devon County Council who are working with Devon Renaissance and local food groups to provide the training plus grants towards the cost of software.

This project has been developed on the back of a major study which looked at how public money could best be used to support the food and drink sector.

The study identified that IT can help producers to simplify production processes, develop their products and exploit new distribution channels (such as online purchasing), but its adoption is very low.

The bespoke training costing £6 per person will be tailored according to the level of skills and needs.

Advice will also be given on the best software for the food and drink sector together with help with the cost.

The council hopes that by assisting producers improve their IT skills, Devon's food and drink sector become more IT literate. This will strengthen Devon's economy and encourage more people in the county to buy more local food.

One company which has reaped the rewards of using IT is Devon Rose Free Range Meats of Seaton.

The company's Richard Dean said: "Using IT has allowed our business to grow at a rate that just wouldn't have been possible using paper-based systems.

"Launching our own website, for instance, has been a great help to us in generating additional income streams as it's made our products accessible to a much wider market, not just people in our local area."

Producers can find out more by attending free workshops where they can discuss their needs, arrange training and find out how other producers have revolutionised their ways of working by using IT.

Workshop dates include: Tiverton (June 19, 8am to 11am), Exeter (July 1, 5.30pm to 8.30pm) and Barnstaple (July 9, 8am to 11am).

To book places, producers should call 01392 382837.

Devon Renaissance is a not-for-profit partnership of the private sector, local authorities and community-based organisations.

Funded primarily by the South West Regional Development Agency, the programme provides grant funding in order to help create prosperity and jobs and improve access to services in rural areas.