Next generation farmers invited to apply for opportunities

Three valuable opportunities are up for grabs that could help next generation farmers further their farming career.

Young farmers are being invited to apply for a number of free industry initiatives that will help develop their skills, knowledge and networks.

See also: How to find help to fund agricultural career development

Tesco Future Farmer Foundation

Tesco has announced that it is looking for applications for the fifth intake of its Tesco Future Farmer Foundation.

The scheme is a free 12-month programme of training and support designed to nurture bright, talented and determined young people in agriculture.

It is available to people aged between 20 and 35 from all farming sectors, including new entrants and next generation farmers.

Young people accepted on the scheme will benefit from attending group workshops, supply chain visits and training days.

They will also be paired with a mentor to help their personal development.

Applicants must be willing to allow for a commitment of approximately two days per month on average, although this is flexible to allow for busy times in the farming year.

The first stage of the application process is an online questionnaire that must be completed by Friday 29 September.

NFU Mutual Undergraduate Award

NFU Mutual is offering financial support worth £3,000 to four students studying agricultural degrees at university.

This is available for students starting undergraduate courses in agriculture in autumn 2017.

The money can be used to help with tuition, living or work experience costs over the duration of their course.

Successful applicants will also be supported by NFU Mutual with work experience, networking and course projects.

To be eligible to apply for the award, students need to have gained (or are expected to gain) at least 260 UCAS points.

They must also have been accepted, or provisionally accepted, on an undergraduate course in the UK, starting in autumn 2017, which includes an element of agriculture or rural business management.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 1 October. For more information visit NFU Mutual’s undergraduate website.

Oxford Farming Conference Emerging Leaders

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has put out a call for 30-45 year olds who want to be considered for selection as an emerging leader to get in touch.

The OFC is making a small number of free places available at the 2018 conference in January for decision makers who are developing their leadership skills and are likely to “set the path for UK farming”.

Applicants for the Emerging Leaders programme must be actively farming and have never attended the Oxford Farming Conference before.

Find out more about the Emerging Leaders initiative.