Business and Innovation Programme

Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire

“Since being part of the Junior Programme in 2016, my early career development has benefited immensely from the contacts and network I developed during that time. Now, having set up my own business with a view to expand, I believe the Business & Innovation Programme will help boost my development further by learning about the successes and challenges others have faced in the industry. I’m confident that sharing these experiences will help to manage the challenges that face the industry now and in the future.”

Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire

“I’m confident that the Agri Academy process will help to improve my presentation skills. I’m also looking forward to learning more and gaining a better understanding of other aspects of farming that I’ve not yet experienced. I am delighted to be a part of this year’s academy and I am so grateful for the opportunity.” 

Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

“I hope to use the Agri Academy to progress my own skills from both business point of view and the physical farming side. I am keen to progress the sheep dairy sector in Wales via our cooperative and expand my knowledge of agriculture from field to plate. I also hope that by meeting industry experts and like-minded people I’ll expand my network and learn from others.”

Chirbury, Montgomery

“All these experiences fired my passion for supporting British farmers, for maintaining our high levels of animal welfare and manufacturing practices and for harnessing innovation and technology, which I believe are critical to the success of our industry. Which markets to enter, how to invest, where best to place farm fresh produce are the questions that I’ll be asking the people I meet through the Business & Innovation Programme, who I know will inspire me and help me make these challenging decisions and to perform responsibility, efficiently and effectively.”

Hay-on-Wye, Powys

“I’m fortunate to have a boss who has confidence in my ability and sees a future role where I can help keep his business sustainable, so that as I develop more managerial skills, he can eventually take a step back. I am sure that being part of the Agri Academy’s Business & Innovation Programme will help increase my understanding of business management and financial matters to ensure the business not only remains sustainable, but develops too.”  

Abergavenny, Monmouthshire

“My long-term aim is to contribute to making our agriculture industry one of the best in the world, to grow my skills and, in turn, provide better services to my customers. I also want to learn about new technologies that could push our farm to be as efficient and environmentally friendly as possible.” 

Llannefydd, Conwy

“I hope to broaden my knowledge of the agriculture sector and be exposed to businesses which are ahead of the game and leading new ways of farming, such as incorporating environmentally sustainable practises into practises and business strategy. I’m looking forward to talking with like-minded people who share a desire to improve their business and are not afraid to take risks. Hopefully, this will help me take our business to the next step”. 

Llanrwst, Conwy

“I hope the Agri Academy will allow me to develop my understanding of business structures and gain access to mentors to support my learning. I’m looking forward to sharing ideas with entrepreneurs in the industry and develop the confidence to apply this thinking to my own business.”

Eglwyswrw, Pembrokeshire

“I’m looking forward to taking part in the programme’s activities and to network with other like-minded business people. I hope to learn more about the processes of diversification and the options available to me as a dairy farmer. I’m positive I will gain a huge amount from the Agri Academy.” 

Llanarth, Ceredigion

“I’m looking forward to meeting inspirational and enthusiastic people within the industry who strive to improve their businesses. By meeting new people and industry leaders, I would like to gain an insight into their ideas in terms of innovation and how to address challenges.”

Llanelli, Carmarthenshire

“Being part of the Agri Academy, I’m hoping to listen and speak to industry experts in order to better understand the pressure they’re facing. From this, I hope to have a better grasp on what is required from business owners to ensure that we all work together to make a better future for the next generation of the agricultural industry.” 

Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire

“Being part of the Agri Academy, I hope to meet like-minded people whilst also broadening my horizons by hearing different perspectives and experiences which, I hope, will trigger new thoughts and possibilities for the farm. I’m confident that meeting people from different people with similar ambitions from a range of sectors will help inspire and motivate me to push forward and achieve more.” 

Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire

“Being part of the Business & Innovation Programme, I hope to develop the skills and knowledge required to continue growing my business. Due to my path in agriculture, I have not been exposed to some of the natural processes and experiences of running an agricultural business. Therefore, I look forward to networking with people to learn, gain support and inspiration.”