The Prince’s Countryside Fund, with Bishop Burton College, has launched a pilot scheme providing mentoring to participants in the college’s popular Farm Business Management Programme.

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Recognising the importance and benefits of peer-to-peer learning, the Fund is pairing delegates from the course with farmers who supply to Jordans Cereals, long term supporters of The Prince’s Countryside Fund. This activity forms part of the Jordans Farm Partnership.

Since 2015 Bishop Burton College has received two grants from the Fund, to support a residential programme providing training in effective farm management practices. The course is open to new entrants working in agriculture across the UK and is delivered at Bishop Burton College’s Riseholme Showground campus.

The delegates complete a two-week residential course and are actively working in a management role on a family farm or commercial enterprise. Following completion of the course there is an opportunity for delegates to receive accreditation from the Royal Agricultural University for an assignment.

The Jordans Farm Partnership is a unique collaboration of Jordans farmers, the Wildlife Trusts, LEAF and The Prince’s Countryside Fund, working together to bring an innovative blend of expertise to benefit the British countryside.

The mentoring will take place over the next 12 months and focus on the development needs of the delegates – this could range from managing cash flow and budgeting, to people management, best farm practice, setting business objectives and strategic planning.

Claire Saunders, Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “We are delighted to be able to offer delegates enrolled on Bishop Burton College’s Farm Business Management Programme the chance to learn from experienced farmers who are supplying to one of our corporate partners – Jordans Cereals.

“I hope that this pilot programme will prove beneficial to all those involved and pave the way for future opportunities to collaborate and support the next generation of farmers through our networks.”

Chief Executive and Principal of Bishop Burton College, Bill Meredith, believes the mentoring programme will have major benefits to the industry as a whole:

“This mentorship programme will provide unparalleled access to industry experts for the next generation of farmer, helping them to not only be guided on how best to employ their newfound management skills, but also benefit from their mentor’s years of experience.

“What I am so excited about is that these young farmers are an incredibly forward-thinking generation and so by pairing them up with seasoned pros, the sector will benefit as a whole; not only helping to cultivate a strong future workforce, but it may also act as a catalyst for those already working in the sector to explore new and innovative approaches to farming.”

To find out more about the Farm Business Management Programme please contact: Business Development Manager and Co-Course Director Rhonda Thompson:Rhonda.Thompson@bishopburton.ac.uk

To find out more about The Prince’s Countryside Fund please visit www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk