Future of farming supported by Co-op training scheme
Three young beef and sheep farmers from across the country have recently secured places on a training scheme run by the Co-op.
Co-op Farming Pioneers training programme.
The Co-op Farming Pioneers training programme has the aim of developing and supporting the next generation of farmers and suppliers.
The programme launched in April 2016, and is now in its second year.
The goal is to develop 60 of the agricultural industry’s future leaders over a period of two years.
This will involve equipping participants with the knowledge, business skills and personal awareness to develop resilient businesses, which will be able to thrive in the fast changing world.
The three young beef and sheep farmers will join the rest of 2017’s new Farming Pioneer intake, who all come from farming communities across the UK.
Each of the participants is aged between 21 and 35 years old and currently work in a farming business that is a long-term supply partner to the Co-op.
Ciara Gorst, the Co-op’s head of agriculture, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the second intake of young farming talent.
“For these young people, it really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where they’ll have a chance to learn from some of the agriculture industry’s leading lights, share their experiences and adopt these principles in the businesses they have a stake in.
“They will be exposed to some high profile challenging situations and we look forward to seeing the new group gain the range of new skills and build the contacts which will last throughout their careers – just as those in the first group are doing.”
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