Cheshunt, England, 2014-6-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — The second application window for Tesco’s Future Farmer Foundation will open on Friday 20 June, with the first talented group of young farmers already on course to be the country’s next agricultural entrepreneurs.
Over a twelve month programme, each group of 50 young farmers will take part in business planning workshops, guiding them through the process of creating a robust business plan. They will have access to Tesco’s online Producer Network, where over 2,000 producers and suppliers already network, share best practice and ideas and access expertise from industry leaders.
Some of the most remarkable young farmers have been selected to join the Future 15 (pictured below) – a rigorous programme that includes tailored training and support, supply chain experience, access to an individual inspirational mentor and the opportunity to win an international research scholarship. At their first two day training event they assessed their own strengths and weaknesses, and attended master-classes on succession planning, entrepreneurship and strategic decision making.
Assessors were so impressed with the talents of those who applied for the first intake, that a second group will start in autumn 2014. The programme aims to support 100 young farmers in its first full year.
Tom Hind, Director of Agriculture at Tesco said:
“We are delighted to have such an enthusiastic and determined group of young farmers to get the Future Farmer Foundation off to a flying start. Their drive and passion for farming is a real inspiration and we’re delighted to help them shape their business ideas and career goals over the next year.”
Sophie Hope, 28, is Farms Manager at pigs and poultry enterprise Alexander & Angell Farms Ltd in Gloucestershire. She helped Tesco develop the Future Farmer Foundation during its pilot phase and has joined the first Future 15 intake:
“I’m really looking forward to the supply chain events and developing a relationship with Tesco going forwards. Also, the opportunity to have a mentor to bounce ideas off and further my agricultural development is invaluable. Meeting so many other young farmers in different sectors is something I am really excited about – who knows where the next business idea might come from!”
Nick Grayson, 24, from near Rotherham in Yorkshire has recently taken on his family’s arable, beef and turkey farm, and is excited about taking part in the Future 15 programme:
“As a young farmer trying to become established within the agricultural industry, having a bank of knowledge and expertise at my fingertips is a fantastic opportunity. Of particular interest to me are the marketing and supply chain aspects, business strategy and planning skills. Alongside the official training, I look forward to having conversations with other participants to learn of their businesses and how similar operations to mine are carried out elsewhere.”
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Notes to Editors
- The next application window opens on 20 June 2014. Candidates can apply online via www.TescoFutureFarmerFoundation.com.
- A selection of candidates will then be invited to an assessment day the Autumn.
- The Foundation is open to candidates aged 20 to 35 who live and work in the United Kingdom.
For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on 01992 644645
We are a team of over 500,000 people in 12 markets dedicated to providing the most compelling offer to our customers.
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