NFU launches crops and sugar programme for farmers

The NFU is calling on the next generation of arable farmers to apply for two of its flagship training initiatives, aimed at developing industry knowledge and leadership skills.

Farmers aged between 25 and 35 are being encouraged to take part in the NFU’s Cereals Development Programme (CDP), providing an in-depth look at the combinable crops supply chain.

The programme, run in partnership with grain merchant Openfield, includes behind the scenes tours of docks, mills, and grain traders, as well as political visits to Westminster and Brussels.

See also: UK wheat falls to £163/t pressured by large global supplies

It is designed to take course members right through the grain supply chain from field to fork.

Delegates will hear from guest speakers from across the arable sector and meet politicians to discuss farm policy.

Dorset farmer and CPD chairman Tom Matthews said: “I want to help encourage the next cohort of the CDP to see that there is a future and it’s brighter than it might seem.”

Members can complete applications on the NFU website, with entries open until 1 September 2025.

Sugar industry programme

The NFU has also relaunched its Sugar industry programme (SIP) in collaboration with British Sugar, which provides an opportunity for sugar beet growers to learn more about the wider sector.

Delegates will visit research facilities, seed merchants, and sugar beet factories between October 2025 and March 2026 as part of the programme.

Alex Clabon, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire grower and course alumnus, said:

“The programme truly does cover all aspects from seed priming and coating, to learning about the British Beet Research Organisation and processing at one of the British Sugar factories.

“One of my highlights of the SIP had to be travelling to Westminster to help showcase the home-grown sugar industry to MPs.

“Another was travelling to the Strube seed house and research centre in Sollingen, Germany.”

Applications are open to all within the sugar sector and can be submitted via the NFU website with entries open until 1 September.