Tesco has launched the second intake of the Future Farmer Foundation and accepted 50 new young people onto its bespoke agricultural leadership and business course.
Funded by Tesco, the course is free for candidates aged between 20 and 35, and who live and work in the UK. It offers leadership training, business planning advice, mentoring, supply chain experience and networking opportunities, in a bespoke package that students can alter according to their needs.
“The Foundation is a key element of our commitment to create new opportunities for millions of young people across the world,” said Tesco agricultural director, Tom Hind. “We understand the importance of creating opportunities for young people in farming and are delighted to be working with our Future Farmers to help them to build successful careers in agriculture.”
Lord de Mauley, parliamentary under secretary of state for the natural environment and science, said: “We want to ensure British farming is a world leader in sustainability, welfare, technology, innovation so it’s vital that we encourage the brightest and best new talent into the industry.
De Mauley said initiatives like the Future Farmer Foundation give support to young people at a crucial early stage and help them get careers off the ground.
Victoria Gardiner, a 23-year --old farmer from Banffshire is one of those selected for the programme. She said: “I’m really excited to be selected for the Foundation. The opportunity to gain more experience, marketing expertise and knowledge from others in the farming industry will be invaluable for me, my business and my future career in agriculture.
“I’m looking forward to the year ahead and to working with my fellow Future Farmers.”
The Future Farmer Foundation was established last year to help young people begin a career in agriculture, through either taking over the family farm, starting a new business venture, or entering the industry for the first time.