Two farming organisations are desperately seeking new homes after they have to leave Newton Rigg by the end of July.
The Farmer Network and Cumbria Young Farmers Club have been told by the campus owner Askham Bryan that they must vacate their offices no later than July 31.
York-based Askham Bryan has put the campus, near Penrith, on the market this week.
The Farmer Network, invited by the college to base itself on campus in 2013, is a not-for-profit support organisation for the farming communities of Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales.
It aims to help farmers and their families run viable and sustainable businesses, reacting to every challenge and opportunity that they may face.
Newton Rigg has provided Cumbria YFC with peppercorn rent office space since the 1940s and has been the central hub of the organisation.
Cumbria YFC chief officer Joanne Mills said: “Cumbria YFC is a registered charity, providing much needed youth services and support to the young people of Cumbria.
“As a charity, we rely on funding, grants, donations and fundraising events in order to keep operating.”
Farmer Network managing director Adam Day added: “Very sadly, the demise of Newton Rigg College seems inevitable.
“Penrith is an ideal central base for the Farmer Network, and we would like to ensure that we have good access for those members who need to visit the office for meetings and to benefit from other types of support that we offer.”
Cumbria YFC county chairman Neil Curr said: “As a community, Cumbria YFC is absolutely devastated at the closure of Newton Rigg.
“The college has been the starting point for many of our young farmers careers in agriculture and farming. It is extremely hard to accept that the decision to close Newton Rigg has been taken by those outside of the county, with seemingly little knowledge or understanding of the needs of the young people of Cumbria.”
Mr Day said he hoped other businesses or premises with farming connections may have some office space available for either or both organisations close to, or within Penrith.
He added: “We’re happy to look at any office space, and our requirements are modest. We know our support and services are much valued by the farming community, and we need to find a new home to ensure that the Network continues to serve its members in future.”
Ms Mills added: “The hunt is now on for new office space in the Penrith or surrounding areas for the Cumbria YFC county office staff team of two and the young farmers would ask that if anyone is able to help that they get in touch with us at [email protected]“
