The NFU is on the hunt for young people with a passion for agriculture to join its Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme, calling on 18-26-year-olds from across England and Wales to apply.
The scheme is now in its third year and is an 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 through to the political side.
New to the scheme 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.
NFU president Minette Batters 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 farming.
“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 said: “The NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme is a fabulous opportunity for young people interested in the future of British agriculture. 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 open now, and those interested can go to the NFU website. The criteria for successful candidates is:
- Be an NFU Student & Young Farmer member
- Aged between 18 and 26
- Be located in England or Wales
- Have a vested interest in the future of farming and rural affairs
- Available to attend all events with confirmed dates (see below)
- Have an interest in speaking to the media and writing for NFU publications
- Be committed to promoting inclusivity and kindness in the industry.
Timetable (subject to change)
| January 2022 | Two-day induction programme, held at the NFU headquarters |
| 22-23 February 2022 | Attend the NFU Conference at the ICC in Birmingham, including political sessions, workshops, sector breakouts, a formal dinner and an overnight stay |
| Easter 2022 | Assist in guest-editing the NFU Student & Young Farmer takeover edition of Student Farmer magazine |
| Summer 2022 | Student Farmer magazine trip, with a focus on engaging with a more unusual aspect of the industry. Previous trips have included a tour of the Houses of Parliament, a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels and an overview of the British cut flower supply chain |
| September 2022 | Support the NFU’s Back British Farming Day in lobbying the government to see the value of British food and farming |
| November 2022 | Represent the agricultural industry at the Lord Mayor’s Show in London, including an overnight stay the night before |