Fresh AF, the year-long study programme for young farm professionals, is accepting applications for 2025.
It’s run by AF, a UK cooperative buying group, and connects participants with industry leaders, businesses and new practises to prepare them for the evolving agricultural sector.
It was launched last year and is a free-to-join programme supported by various sponsors. James Peck, managing director at PX Farms, was one of the presenters at last year’s closing ceremony and is positive about the initiative.
“Fresh AF is doing an excellent job of broadening horizons and bringing valuable insights to farm businesses through the development of young employees,” he says. “Personal development and training are critical for the growth of the agricultural industry, and I encourage young agri-professionals to get involved.”
Tom Harrison, director at HDF Farming Ltd, adds that Fresh AF has brought numerous learning and networking benefits.
“It’s been a great opportunity to get off the farm, learn about different aspects of the industry and meet other young professionals. We’re focusing on building up soil fertility and reducing inputs without sacrificing yields and Fresh AF has provided invaluable knowledge in this area which we will apply on the farm.”
Applications for those aged between 18-40 are open until the end of January 2025.
To apply, email fresh@af.farm to request an application form, and include a cover letter introducing yourself and explaining how Fresh AF could benefit your career.
Fresh AF 2024
The 2024 cohort of 20 farming professionals participated in a series of events, featuring 51 speakers.
It launched at Euston Estate, Suffolk, and throughout the year travelled to Vodafone HQ in Berkshire to see the latest ag technologies, as well as NuFarm UK field trials in Cambridgeshire and Timac Agro in France.
Up to 20 places are available this year, with sponsors including Timac Agro UK, Bayer, BASF, Nufarm UK, and Origin Soil Nutrition, Payne Crop Nutrition, Comm-Tech Voice & Data, Adama and Syngenta.
