Nigel Elgar

• Nuffield Scholar and award-winning rural adviser Nigel Elgar has spent more than 30 years helping farming businesses in Wales embrace change, build resilience and develop practical solutions through collaboration. An experienced facilitator and project manager, he returns to Agrisgôp with additional expertise gained in senior roles delivering innovative projects, business development initiatives and environmental programmes across Wales. 

• Nigel currently facilitates a Farm Cluster Group with Beacons Water Group CIC, bringing farmers together to address shared environmental and business challenges. Through peer-to-peer learning and strategic planning, he helps groups identify opportunities, develop long-term visions and turn ideas into practical action. 

• Previously, during almost a decade as a Catchment Project Specialist with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Nigel established and facilitated farmer discussion groups across Wales, building strong relationships with farmers, advisers and research organisations to encourage land management changes that improved environmental outcomes and business resilience. The engagement approach he developed has since been adopted as best practice within the organisation and earned national recognition. 

• Throughout his career Nigel has demonstrated a talent for helping individuals and groups move from conversation to action. His farming knowledge, communication skills and ability to build trust enable him to facilitate constructive discussions, encourage fresh thinking and support practical, sustainable business improvement. 

• A respected figure within Welsh agriculture, Nigel combines first-hand farming experience with a strategic outlook and an extensive rural network, making him well placed to support Agrisgôp members as they explore new opportunities and develop resilient, profitable businesses. 

"The best solutions often come when farmers learn from each other. Agrisgôp provides the time, space and support for them to challenge ideas, share experiences and develop practical solutions that strengthen both their businesses and the wider rural community." 

Awards and recognition 

• 2023: Institute of Water Innovation Award 

• 1998: Nuffield Farming Scholarship – Beckett Award 

• 1998: Organic Producer of the Year – Soil Association/You Magazine 

• 1997: Sheep Farming & Conservation Award – Farmers Weekly/NSA 

Relevant career highlights 

• 2025 to date: Farm Cluster Group Facilitator, Beacons Water Group CIC 

• 2017–2026: Catchment Project Specialist, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water 

• 2013–2015: Common Land Development Officer, Cadwyn Clwyd Cyf 

• 1995–2012: Technical Director, Graig Producers Ltd 

• 1986–2010: Managing Partner, Cannon Farm Partnership