Ever wanted to learn about the tulip fields in Amsterdam, Pork reared in Denmark, find out more about native Scottish Cattle or visit the diversifying cheese farms of the Alps? The Management Exchange could be your ticket!
The application window is currently open for our Management Exchange Programme. We are looking for focused and ambitious farmers and foresters who are keen to broaden their horizons by taking part in an exchange visit to other European member states and/or hosting a foreign exchange farmer or forester on your holding. If selected, your visit could be fully-funded up to a maximum of £4,000.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about new or improved ways of working in the farm or forestry sectors in Europe, to find out about different approaches to business management and to broaden your knowledge, technical ability and management expertise,” says Einir Davies, Development & Mentoring Manager at Farming Connect.
Farming Connect wants to hear from eligible individuals, who must be registered with Farming Connect, who feel they would benefit from a visit to a farm or forestry business within the EU, and/or who would be interested in hosting a suitably trained and experienced farm or forest manager currently working in the EU at their holding.
“Now in its second year, the aim of the programme is to enable both parties to identify opportunities both personal and business development and to learn new and innovative or advanced best practice which they can implement at home and share with the wider industry in Wales,” said Miss Davies.
Successful participants will be expected to disseminate findings from their learning experience through Farming Connect’s usual communications channels and events programme.
In 2016, following a competitive application process, 8 candidates were accepted to undertake a Management Exchange which included visits to a mixed farm in France to look at grassland management techniques and a two way exchange with a German forester to study sustainable woodland management.
Sonia Winder from Llansadwrn, Carmarthenshire, one of the successful 2016 candidates visited Cologne during her exchange and appreciated the care and time provided by her hosts, “I was fortunate enough to meet 6 different forest managers, all of which spent time showing me around, grateful thanks are due to the German state of forest district. I would highly recommend the Management Exchange program, if you put a lot of research in, you get a lot out – as I did”
Many of the candidates found that the Management Exchange provided them with unique experiences. Gethin Owen from Betws-yn-Rhos, Conwy was interested in learning more about the Charpentier Concept in France and said that “Implementing elements of what I’ve learned at home will help improve the efficiently and resilience of my own business. The Management Exchange program has provided a fantastic opportunity to see under the skin of agriculture in the EU”.
An independent judging panel will be responsible for the competitive selection process. All applicants will need to be available for interview on 10th or 11th July in Aberystwyth. Successful applicants will also be invited to attend an official ceremony at the Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd on Monday 24 July. Successful applicants will then either undertake or host a visit for a period of up to approximately six weeks. Two-way exchange visits will be encouraged but are not essential.
The window for applications is open from 1st of June 2017 to 30th of June 2017.
The funding rate for the programme is 100%, up to a maximum of £4,000 with costs reclaimed during the visit or hosting period.
For more detailed information on the benefits of this programme, Terms & Conditions, eligibility criteria and to download application forms, please click here.