Building on the success of the Agri-Academy, Farming Connect’s highly acclaimed personal development programme, 37 candidates have been selected to take part this year.
Delivered through Farming Connect, which is funded by Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the Agri-Academy was launched in 2012.
It comprises three distinct programmes, namely the Business & Innovation programme; the Rural Leadership programme which is a joint collaboration with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and the Junior programme, a joint collaboration with Wales YFC, open to young people aged between 16 and 19 years.
Professor Wynne Jones OBE , who chaired the Agri-Academy selection panel for all three programmes, said that he and his co-judges agreed that the calibre of applications was again exceptionally high, and it was a hard task to ‘select the best of the best’ from 75 applications - the highest number since the programme began.
“The Agri-Academy has gained momentum year on year, and it is particularly rewarding to know that so many of our alumni still keep in touch and continue to support each other across so many areas.
“The achievements of the 70 plus farmers, business people and young people who have participated to date are too numerous to mention, but they have all achieved so much as individuals, within their business and working life and for the wider industry in Wales.
“Thanks to their ambassadorial skills the Academy network continues to flourish, which in turn helps Farming Connect raise the profile and awareness of this flagship programme,” said Professor Wynne.
“As always, we were looking for candidates able to demonstrate ambition, commitment and a keen sense of focus but above all, we selected people who we feel have the potential to contribute most to the future of the agricultural industry and rural communities in Wales.”
The selected candidates will now take part in an intensive programme of mentoring, support, guidance and training from some of the industry’s most successful figureheads and personalities over three short but activity-packed study sessions, some of which will include an overseas study tour.
“The Agri-Academy will contribute to the personal development of every candidate, giving them the skills, confidence and networks to develop their own business interests, whether that’s within the family business or elsewhere,” said Professor Wynne.
To find out about this year’s programme and the aspirations of the ‘Class of 2016’, visit the Agri Academy page.