The search to find two emerging sustainable farming leaders has started this week as applications open for Resilient and Ready – a new training programme delivered by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) and Corteva Agriscience. Charlotte Cunningham reports.
Resilient and Ready, supported by Corteva, is set to combine the best of technical insight and commercial application. Participating farmers will develop their leadership and management skills with a specific focus on business growth and innovation, says the organisation.
Over three years, the immersive training programme will offer a unique blend of in-field training, one-to-one mentoring and access to management tools designed to challenge current thinking, develop skills and know-how to build business resilience.
Two successful applicants will get:
- Training from both LEAF and external partners
- Services, support and trialling opportunities from Corteva
- One-to-one mentoring and on-farm specialist advice
- State of the art communications training offering the skills, know-how and confidence to go on to become leaders and innovators in sustainable farming
- Benchmarking and monitoring in key aspects of sustainability
- Three years membership of LEAF
Depending on suitability and priorities, participating farmers will have the opportunity to become LEAF Demonstration Farmers and/or LEAF Marque certified.
Alice Midmer, demonstration and innovation manager at LEAF, said: “Resilient and Ready has been shaped from the very start from our desire to build future farming leaders. This has to start at a grass roots level. We want to hear from farmers who are keen to make a difference – not only on their own businesses but also at an industry level.
“They may just be starting to think about ways to farm more sustainably or well on their way. What matters most is that they are motivated to change, keen to learn and up for challenge.
“This is an amazing opportunity for two farmers to transform their own businesses and make a real difference to today’s fast-moving industry.”
Simon Parker, head of marketing UK & Ireland at Corteva added: “British farming is about to go through a period of significant change and Corteva wants to play its part in supporting that transition by promoting the practical tools to ensure farm businesses are resilient and ready for the future.
“Farmers want to provide a sustainable supply of food to customers at home and abroad, to be leaders in animal welfare and environmental management and to drive innovation using research and technology.
“This programme is all about developing raw talent and investing in the sustainable farming leaders of the future; we are delighted and proud to support it.”
Applications for Resilient and Ready are now open and close on 30 November. Application forms and further information are available at www.leafuk.org/about-leaf/
