What the programme will entail?
This programme is designed to give young people the opportunity to visit inspirational farm businesses across the region, sophisticated supply chain operations and see behind the scenes at the NFU nationally and in Westminster.
Why get involved?
This is an opportunity to:
- see how some of the most successful farms in the region operate, embrace technology and develop best practice
- understand more about integrated supply chains and the relationship between farmers and retailers
- meet influential people in the industry and hear first-hand their views about the future of food and farming in the region
- see behind the scenes at the NFU and find out more about the huge diversity of work carried out by the ‘Voice of British Farming’ at home and abroad and why farming politics is so important to the success of the industry
- enjoy the social element and meet other younger farming professionals
- add something different to your CV and demonstrate a real interest in and commitment to the industry
Timetable*
6 October 2020**: Visit to NFU HQ for welcome and overview of NFU
November/December 2020**: Visit award-winning horticulture business: MH Poskitt - run by Guy Poskitt (Farmers Weekly Farmer of the Year in 2012)
January 2021**: Visit NFU London office, a stone’s throw away from the House of Commons, taking in a Parliamentary tour, hosted by Keighley and Ilkley MP, Robbie Moore.
Tue & Wed 23-24 February 2021: Attend NFU Conference across two days at the ICC in Birmingham, including attending political sessions, workshops, sector breakouts, formal dinner and an overnight stay
Wed 21 April 2021: An in-depth visit to Bradford-based retailer Morrisons offering a fantastic opportunity to explore their sophisticated integrated supply chain from farm to shelf
Wed & Thu 9-10 June 2021: A programme finale tour of Beeswax Dyson Farming in Lincolnshire plus a final dinner and overnight stay.
*Timetable is subject to change, and events may be removed, changed or dates changed.
**Early events subject to confirmation dependent on Coronavirus restrictions in place at the time.
Who can apply?
You must be:
- an NFU Student & Young Farmer member (It's free! Sign up at www.nfuonline.com/student) or have an active NFU membership within the family
- aged between 18 and 30
- located in the North East of England (encompassing Yorkshire, County Durham, Tyne & Wear & Northumberland
- be pursuing a career in farming/food/rural affairs
- able to attend all events with confirmed dates (see timetable below)
- willing to engage with the NFU North East regional team to develop/improve the offering for student/younger NFU members
What does it cost?
The programme is free for participants. All food, overnight stays and reasonable travel expenses will be covered as long as participants attend all events.
Additional opportunities may arise throughout the course of the programme which are optional and can be undertaken with some contribution from participants (ie the cost of travel).
When do applications open?
Applications are now open and will close on Friday 21 August. Following a first-stage online application, successful candidates will be invited to a final-stage interview during the first week of September 2020.
“We're looking forward to offering participants a thorough 'behind-the-scenes' look at our some of our processing and manufacturing sites and our retail stores to show how fantastic British produce travels from farm to final customer - and to introducing them to many of the colleagues that help the produce get to its final destination."
Sophie Throup - Head of Agriculture, Fisheries and Sustainable Sourcing, Morrisons