Offa is a purpose-built web platform aiming to connect farmers who have under-used land, vacant buildings or idle machinery with farmers in need of such assets.

Initially, it is matching available farmland with people who need it for cropping or seasonal livestock grazing.

But the network will soon be expanded to include trades on machinery, buildings, contracting and personnel.

Norfolk-based rural consultant Mike Mack is chief executive officer of Offa, which he co-founded alongside Richard Pool and Ben Seale.

He said the network will make it easier for farmers to identify opportunities and spark mutually-beneficial partnerships which could benefit the rural economy.

"Basically, it will enable farmers to sweat their assets harder," he said.

"Farmers have land, tractors, staff and buildings that are not always being used as effectively as they could to make income........

© Eastern Daily Press