A Welsh linguist who can hold a conversation in Spanish, Chinese or Russian, lots of would-be country land agents and vets, a nurse, a clutch of lawyers and accountants, and quite a few students! What they all have in common is that they are also involved with farming or rural affairs in Wales, and each one of them has been selected to take part in Farming Connect’s highly-acclaimed Agri-Academy programme for 2017.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths will meet this year’s intake of 40 candidates at a special reception at the Royal Welsh Show at 12.30pm on Tuesday, 25 July which will take place in Farming Connect’s Agri Lab Exhibition (First floor, Sheep Building, Avenue M).
The Agri-Academy, now in its fifth year, has over 165 alumni, many of whom credit the intensive programme of mentoring, training and study visits, with giving them confidence and new networks which are helping them achieve their personal ambitions and create new business opportunities.
The Agri Academy comprises three distinct programmes. This year, there are 14 candidates on the Business & Innovation programme, 12 on the Rural Leadership programme which is a joint collaboration with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and 14 on the Junior programme, which is a joint collaboration with Wales YFC.
Professor Wynne Jones OBE FRAgS, who chaired the Agri-Academy selection panel for all three programmes, said that he and his co-judges had a difficult task selecting this year’s candidates as once again, the calibre of applications was exceptionally high.
Congratulating the ‘Class of 2017’, the Cabinet Secretary said,
“The Agri-Academy, which Farming Connect first launched in 2012, is clearly gaining momentum year on year thanks to the achievements and increasing visibility within rural communities of so many farmers, foresters and business people who have been part of this innovative personal development programme.
“Many of the Academy’s alumni are now making a valuable contribution to the agricultural industry in Wales and beyond. I’m particularly delighted to see a number of young men and women now represented on influential agricultural platforms, where they can personally contribute so much towards making Welsh agriculture sustainable, profitable and resilient. They are excellent ambassadors for the Agri-Academy and demonstrate the value of continual professional development.
“As always, our independent judging panel was looking for candidates with enthusiasm, commitment and a keen sense of focus. Above all, they selected individuals who they believed have the potential to contribute most to the future prosperity of farming and rural communities in Wales, and achieve their potential as rural leaders and entrepreneurs,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
In return, the selected candidates will soon be embarking on an intensive programme of mentoring, support and training from some of the industry’s most successful figureheads and personalities. And for the first time this year, all three programmes involve an overseas study tour, with Rural Leadership candidates visiting the European Parliament in Brussels, Business & Innovation candidates visiting some of Switzerland’s most innovative agri-businesses, while the Junior Programme will be comparing different farming systems in Ireland.
Regional quotes
Welshpool based rural solicitor Awel Mai, who was brought up on a beef and sheep farm in Corwen, is delighted to have been selected for the Rural Leadership programme, which she feels will give her a unique opportunity with lasting benefits.
“I hope that by being part of the Agri Academy Rural Leadership programme, I’ll be introduced to a wider network of agricultural professionals and advisers. Together, we can try to ensure that the Welsh agricultural industry withstands the turbulent and uncertain times ahead and secure a prosperous future for the next generation,” said Awel Mai.
With a passion for agriculture and a desire to secure a career within the industry, beef and sheep farmer Huw Jones is keen to extend his present family farm enterprise in Brecon by finding new income streams linked to tourism and diversifying the business. Huw believes that being selected for this year’s Business & Innovation programme will introduce him to mentors who can help focus his ideas and help him achieve his goals.
“I’m passionate about all aspects of farming and have valued opportunities to travel to other countries to learn. Post 2020, the industry will face uncertainty, but by being innovative, I believe the future can be prosperous for all. I am keen to take on new challenges and strengthen the succession for future generations on our family farm,” said Huw.
Laura Evans from Llangwyryfon in Ceredigion, who has been selected for the Junior programme, has just completed her sixth form studies at Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig, Aberystwyth. She has applied for a place at Harper Adams University and hopes to become a chartered surveyor.
“I’d like to broaden my experience by working in different situations. I hope to develop my skills and networks in readiness for professional life in rural Wales, and I’m sure my experience with the Agri Academy will help with this.”
To find out about the aspirations of all this year’s Agri-Academy candidates, please click here.