Future Farmer Programme | School of Sustainable Food and Farming

Applications for the 2024/25 programme are now closed

What is it?

Harper Adams University’s School of Sustainable Food and Farming (SSFF) are inviting applications to a major new multi-year programme which will help up-and-coming British farmers develop their skills in sustainable agriculture.

With recent surveys suggesting younger farmers have identified skills gaps in areas including sustainability and the environment, the Future Farmer Programme (proudly sponsored by Tesco) will provide 75 young farmers with face-to-face and live online training on how to implement sustainable agriculture practices and protect biodiversity.

Who is it for?

The nine-month course will include face-to-face and live online tutorials.
Farmers under the age of 40, and in any agricultural sector can apply.

How do I get involved?

The nine-month course, which will run each year for the next three years, will also include events and mentoring sessions on business operations and personal development.

Applications for the 2024/25 programme are now closed

“British agriculture plays a crucial role in protecting and enhancing our natural environment and will be right at the heart of the UK’s efforts to achieve its net zero ambitions. It’s also had to overcome some incredibly tough challenges over the past two years, which is why we’re committed to supporting it, both now and in the future.

“With this in mind, I’m delighted to be launching this new programme with Harper Adams University, which will see some of the brightest young talents in the industry benefit from training and support in implementing sustainable agriculture techniques, helping to safeguard the industry, and our natural environment, for future generations.”

Ashwin Prasad, Tesco’s Chief Product Officer

Programme

Training costs are fully funded, delegates need to be prepared to cover the costs of traveling to and from events.

Training will be made up of:

Online Lectures
2 x 2-day networking events
2 x industrial supply chain visits

“We are entering a hugely exciting but challenging next chapter for UK Agriculture. The transition to more sustainable food production systems is a significant change for many farmers, and so understanding these issues, identifying the opportunities they present, and being prepared to make change is the key focus of the course.

“The course is split into three focus areas, Understanding Sustainability - which will explore the key drivers and opportunities for the industry; Agile Mindsets - which will help participants identify their own strengths, capabilities and weaknesses; and Agile Business, will help them structure and adapt their business, existing or new, and to identify new opportunities and methods for a sustainable future.”

Simon Thelwell, Director of the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University

Sustainable Futures

What is sustainability?

Definitions and drivers
Sustainable development
Sustainable agriculture

Measuring Sustainability

How to measure-tools and calculators
Indicators and Goal Setting
Action planning

Sustainable Agriculture Case Studies

Cases from across the globe
Cases from the UK
Success factors and pitfalls

Identifying sustainability strengths and weaknesses in your business.

Agile Minds

Knowing yourself

Personality
Motivation and drive
Time and teams

Building yourself

Building resilience
Building networks
Action planning and goal setting

Developing Yourself

As a leader of people
As a leader in business
As a leader of change

Advancing your personal strengths and weaknesses in your business.

Agile Business

Knowing your business

Business performance
Markets and customers
Transition readiness

Planning for Change

Planning for change
The Impact of change
Viability and feasibility

Measuring success

At utilising data and systems
At sourcing sustainable
finance
As a future Net Zero
Agribusiness

Developing your roadmap for success in your future sustainable business.