THE North's first Fresh Start Academy, aimed at encouraging people into farming and agricultural industries, was launched at the Yorkshire Show today.

The project is based at Askham Bryan College, near York, and helps new entrants into the farm industry with training in business skills and a matchmaking network which puts potential business partners in touch.

Students will undergo 12 to 15 months of training on aspects of farm business management with help from agricultural consultants and land agents.

Sir Don Curry, chairman of the sustainable farming and food strategy delivery group, who launched the academy, the tenth in England, said: "Fresh Start is about helping to skill and enthuse a new generation of farmers for the future of our industry.

"This is a time of significant challenge but also opportunity and the York Fresh Start Academy will help young people in Yorkshire to make the most of it.

"I firmly believe that there is a great future in farming and related industries but we do need the best people with a positive attitude and the right skills to rise to the challenge. The academies are proving a real success in the south of England and I hope that York will be the first of many for the north."

Peter Garbutt, a business consultant from Thirsk and co-ordinator for the new academy, said it would provide a focal point for young people, particularly those in their 20s and early 30s, who wanted a career in agriculture.

"New entrants may be teamed up with retiring farmers," he said. "They will also be supported in the early stages of their new business via a business mentor."

Information about the academy is available from the Kevin Kendall at the college, tel 01904-772277 or email kevin.kendall@askhambryan.ac.uk