The search has started for Wales’ next generation of rural leaders and entrepreneurs as Lesley Griffiths, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, today officially launched Farming Connect’s prestigious personal development programme, the Agri Academy 2018, at the Farmers’ Union of Wales annual farmhouse breakfast at the Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay.

The Agri Academy, now approaching its sixth year and with 165 alumni, brings together some of the most promising people making their way in the agricultural industry today.  

Regularly quoted by past candidates as ‘life changing’ this unique programme which takes place over three short, action-packed study periods and overseas visits, gives individuals selected the inspiration, confidence, skills and networks they need to become future rural leaders, professional business people and entrepreneurs. The application window for this year’s programme, will be open from Tuesday 23 January to Friday, 30 March 2018.

Comprising three distinct elements, the Agri Academy’s Rural Leadership programme, a collaboration with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, aims to develop and nurture a new generation of leaders and individuals keen to influence the rural agenda at a local, regional and European level. The programme provides an opportunity to meet and lobby Welsh Government and EU figureheads in Wales and Brussels and to learn the skills of effective public speaking and media interviews.

Teleri Fielden ( below ) found the Rural Leadership Brussels trip inspirational.

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“It was empowering to realise that the issues we discuss at home within our farming unions and our young farmers clubs can influence policy decisions in the future. All EU farmers are operating in a politically uncertain climate, so it’s critical that we do all we can to prepare for the future by running profitable, sustainable, modern businesses.

“As Agri Academy alumni, we’ve now had the training and support we need to ensure we speak up for what we believe in. I know we will contribute to intelligent, balanced conversations with each other, with our rural communities and with the policy leaders tasked with deciding our future.”

The Business and Innovation programme offers personal and business development which can help candidates meet the challenges of farming in the future, as they network and learn from top industry experts and business leaders at home and during an overseas study visit.

Jim Ellis ( below) says that being awarded a place on the Business & Innovation Programme has been an inspirational experience.

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“The new networks and friends I’ve made, together with mentoring and guidance from experts, has been fantastic. I’ve met so many inspirational business people, who have given me a new sense of focus which I plan to put into practice both on the farm and in some of my other business enterprises.”

After attending Coleg Menai, Jim won a place at the prestigious Entrepreneurship Academy in Swansea, which also awarded him funding towards setting up a new photography business.  Having developed that business further, together with a business partner, he now runs a successful company specialising in video and drone photography for businesses in North Wales, alongside his duties on the farm. And there’s yet another new business venture in the pipeline for Jim, who has now joined forces with another young Business & Innovation candidate, Gareth Thomas who farms near Cemaes Bay.

The Junior Academy, which is run in partnership with Wales YFC, is targeted at young people aged 16-19 considering a career in the food and farming industries. For many it provides focus and guidance at a time when many are uncertain about their future career pathways and a prestigious, relevant notch on their cv.

Morley Jones ( below) was selected for the junior programme last year and has set his sights on being a vet in rural Wales, is currently studying for A levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate at Ysgol Gymraeg in Ystalyfera, but he is also hoping he can combine his future veterinary career and interest in the health of beef cattle with his liking for politics and public speaking. In between academic commitments and helping out at home, Morley is a keen member of Sennybridge YFC.

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“Farmers are facing an uncertain future as we head towards leaving the EU, but now is the time for young people to focus their drive and ambition for the good of the industry, and to try and find ways of contributing effectively to our rural economy.”

Morley says that in addition to being inspired by the many mentors and farmers he met through the programme, he is particularly grateful to have been offered work experience within the Welsh Government’s chief veterinary office this spring.

“Proven work experience is one of the most valuable elements on any cv, so I’m very grateful and looking forward to that. Being part of the Junior Academy has helped me appreciate how important it is to widen your network, to listen to new ideas and to have a platform for voicing your own opinions, especially at that critical time when you’re just starting to make plans for the future”.

Speaking at the launch, the Cabinet Secretary said

“The Agri Academy’s format of three short but intensive study periods has a proven track record of paving the way to business success for so many of its alumni.

“Farming Connect’s unique personal development programme of training, mentoring, support and guidance gives both young entrants with ambitious aspirations and more experienced individuals a fantastic opportunity to share ideas and learn from each other in a success-driven, supportive environment.

 “There are no barriers for eligible individuals wanting to apply for the Agri Academy and there are no limits to what you can achieve if you put your mind to it. 

“The Agri Academy has been a hugely valuable stepping stone, which has inspired so many individuals, giving them confidence and necessary networks to plan for their future as successful rural leaders, professional business people and innovative farmers.”

Einir Davies, development and mentoring manager with Menter a Busnes, which delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government, says that the 2018 programme promises exciting opportunities.

“Candidates selected for the Business & Innovation Programme will visit Iceland, a country renowned for its innovative approach to environmental management, renewable energy and sustainable farming methods. 

“Iceland has a similar topography to Wales with its combination of lowland, upland and coastal farms and it is self-sufficient in meat, eggs and milk,” said Ms Davies.

Rural Leadership Programme candidates will meet figureheads and policy leaders from the Welsh Government and visit the European Parliament in Brussels.

For further information, eligibility criteria and to download application forms, visit www.gov.wales/farmingconnect