Rural

Transforming Lives Through Farm Training: Chris Ford’s Inspiring Journey

“Some of them are just looking for something different,” Ford explains.

During COVID, Canterbury dairy farmer Chris Ford came up with a programme encouraging the government to send people who lost their jobs due to the pandemic to his farm, to see if there was any work there that might interest them.

Since then, Ford tells Dom the Farm Training Canterbury scheme has helped over 50 people from various backgrounds seamlessly transition into farming roles.

He explains how the initiative focuses on offering training and employment to unemployed individuals, ex-addicts and ex-prisoners. 

With plans to expand these opportunities across the South Island, Ford emphasises the personal satisfaction he gains from making a difference in people's lives. 

For anyone interested in the scheme, reach out to Chris Ford via social media for more information.

Listen to the full chat between Chris Ford and Dominic George above.

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