The NFU is once again on the hunt for young people passionate about agriculture to join its successful Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme and is calling on 18–26 year-olds from across England and Wales to apply for the scheme, now in its third year. Charlotte Cunningham reports.

According to the NFU, being an ambassador is a fantastic 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 to politics.

New to the scheme this year 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.

“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,” said president, Minette Batters.

“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 faming.

“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.”

Applications are open from 6 September 2021. Click here to apply.

Application criteria:

  • Be an NFU Student & Young Farmer member (Sign up to the free membership here)
  • Aged between 18 and 26 years
  • To 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 timetable below)
  • Those with an interest in speaking to the media and writing for NFU publications
  • Be committed to promoting the values of inclusivity and kindness in the industry.
  • For more information about the programme and its benefits, click here.
  • To find out more about the 20/21 ambassadors, click here.