CHESHUNT, England, 2015-7-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tesco’s Future Farmer Foundation is open once again to receive applications from enthusiastic young farmers who wish to make their mark on the industry.
The retailer launched the Future Farmer Foundation in 2014 to help bright, talented, determined young people make a confident start in the world of agriculture; whether they are looking to take over the family farm, embark on a new farming venture, or have an ambition to enter the industry for the first time.
This intake, the third for the foundation, will build on some of the fantastic successes that have already been achieved in the previous years. Around 100 young people have already benefited from the programme, which aims to develop the business and personal skills of the participants and teach them about the importance of an effective supply chain for a modern sustainable farm business.
Lisa Buckley-Hoyle, Tesco’s Category Director for Sourcing and Agriculture said: ‘Our Future Farmer Foundation is about encouraging people to make their own start in the world of agriculture. We have been delighted with huge drive and enthusiasm we have seen so far with the intake in previous years and we are confident that this year will be even better.
‘At Tesco, we recognise the many challenges young people face in this industry. As British Agriculture’s biggest customer, it is important to us that we help create opportunities for the next generation of farmers.’
Training is delivered by experts in their respective fields from across agriculture and is supported by leading food and farming businesses including ABP, Adams Foods, Anglia Free Range Eggs, Arla, Bayer Crop Science, Branston, Cranswick Country Foods, Muller-Wiseman, Noble Foods, St Merryn Foods and Thanet Earth.
By providing participants with the opportunity to be exposed to all parts of the industry and supply chain, the Future Farmer Foundation has already helped to create a new generation of customer focused entrepreneurs in a fast moving and global industry. Future Farmers will also have the opportunity to apply for a Tesco International Scholarship, worth up to £5500. Recent recipients of the awards are Beth Bennett, a manager of a free range egg company and Joe Towers, a dairy farmer. They were singled out for drawing on current industry challenges to improve productivity and improve welfare standards.
Beth, whose proposal looked at how to reduce aggressive behaviour in flocks of laying hens to minimise production losses, commented on the scheme: ‘The programme helped me gain confidence and a clear understanding of the supply chain in various agricultural sectors, as well as imparting the essential business and financial skills required to run a farm. It was brilliant opportunity to meet with so many like-minded people from all over the country, who are passionate about being a part of an innovative and sustainable agricultural industry.
Whilst Joe, who will be researching how the use of Big Data can benefit better forecasting in the dairy supply chain, said: ‘One of the most valuable aspects of the programme has been developing both my personal and professional network and I am privileged to have got to know so many talented people passionate about British agriculture. Gaining insight into how British agriculture’s biggest customer operates, as well as their suppliers, has given me an edge in adapting my business to a changing world. ‘
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The programme, funded by Tesco, is project managed by Promar International.
- There is no requirement for the Future Farmers to work with the retailer in the future.
Who can apply?
- All enthusiastic ambitious young farmers who are:
- Aged 20-35 years old on 1st October
- Not in full time education
- From any farming sector
- Living anywhere in the UK
- New entrants, existing farmers or farm employees
- Willing to commit approximately 2 days per month (on average) to participate in the programme
Why you should apply
- Meet like-minded young farmers who share many of the same challenges as you do
- Learn new skills and knowledge to apply within your business plans
- Gain a deeper understanding of the supply chain
- Build a network of contacts from across the industry
- Gain the confidence to influence and make decisions, plan and execute your ideas
- For more information on Tesco’s Future Farmer’s Foundation and how to apply, go to http://www.tescofuturefarmerfoundation.com
- The closing date to submit application is the 15th August 2015
For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on 01992 644645
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