Hunt is on for farming flagbearer
THE National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is once again on the hunt for young people passionate about agriculture to join its successful Student &
Young Farmer Ambassador Programme.
Those aged between 18 and 26 years old, living across England and Wales, are being called upon to apply for the increasingly popular scheme, now in its third year.
Being an ambassador is a fantastic opportunity to represent the future of farming and the NFU at events, including the Lord Mayor’s Show and the NFU’s annual conference, network with like-minded people and experience new aspects of agriculture, from the supply chain to politics.
New to the scheme this year is the introduction of an Inclusivity Pledge. Applicants who feel their community has been underrepresented in agriculture, whether that is race, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, are particularly encouraged to apply.
Minette Batters, president of the NFU and a Westcountry livestock farmer, said: “The Student and
Young Farmer Ambassadors are some of the most integral people to the NFU, helping to tell the fantastic story of British farming and share their own inspiring journeys’ so that we can improve our industry together.
“That is why this year we have introduced the Inclusivity Pledge this year to ensure the ambassador scheme is the most representative and diverse it can possibly be. We want to hear from anyone who feels passionately about agriculture and wants to champion the future of faming.
“It’s always an exciting moment when the first applications come in and we get to see just how many enthusiastic young people there are in our industry, I can’t wait to see what mark this cohort will make.”
Katie Smith, a 2020/21 ambassador from the West Midlands, described the NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme as a “fabulous opportunity for young people interested in the future of British agriculture”. She continued: “As someone who is really keen to get involved in the industry but doesn’t come from a farming background, it has given me so many opportunities to speak to industry experts, receive invaluable training and give my opinions on projects that will help shape the future of agriculture.”
Applications are now open. For further details and to apply, please visit the website www.nfuonline. com/membership/membershipnews/nfu-student-young-farmerambassador-programme