The government of Tristan da Cunha, a tiny south Atlantic island and British protectorate, said to be the most remote inhabited place in the world, is seeking an agricultural advisor to help raise the productivity of livestock farming on its 400 hectares of common land.  

The new job opportunity, which was listed on the NFU’s job pages this week, promises to offer an unrivalled experience, though the local government offering the two year position has stipulated that applicants must have experience of island life.

Tristan de Cuhna, which has a population of just over 300, is over 1,500 miles away from the nearest neighbouring landmass (the tropical island of Saint Helena, where Napoleon was held prisoner until his death in the early 1800s). The only way to reach the island is by sailing from Cape Town, South Africa - a 1,750 mile trip which takes seven days. What is more, the island is only serviced by boat for about sixty days each year.

Nevertheless, the government promises that Tristan has many creature comforts, including a shop, pub and dancehall, good phone service and internet. Tristan da Cunha, as well as the other south pacific Isles, are famed for their wildlife, and particularly bird species such as the Yellow Nosed Albatross.

The salary available for the position (dealing with sheep and cattle grazing) is negotiable depending on experience and qualifications. It also promises free accommodation and travel for the adventurous applicant.

On Monday, Alan Brown head of NFU Job Pages, who admitted he was “surprised” by the offer, commented, “This is the most interesting and unique opportunity that I have seen advertised on NFU Job Pages to date. I hope there is a UK farmer out there who seizes the opportunity to take on this unique challenge and bring a flavour of British farming to the world’s most remote inhabited island.”