Ever wanted to learn about the tulip fields in Amsterdam, Pork reared in Denmark, find out more about native Scottish Cattle or visit the diversifying cheese farms of the Alps? Then a Management Exchange programme being run by the Welsh Government’s Farming Connect programme could be your ticket!
 
The application window has already opened, and the service is seeking focused and ambitious farmers and foresters who are keen to broaden their horizons by taking part in an exchange visit to other European member states and/or hosting a foreign exchange farmer or forester on your holding. If selected, your visit could be fully-funded up to a maximum of £4,000.
 
“This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about new or improved ways of working in the farm or forestry sectors in Europe, to find out about different approaches to business management and to broaden your knowledge, technical ability and management expertise,” said Einir Davies, Development & Mentoring Manager at Farming Connect.
 
Applicants must be registered with Farming Connect, and those who feel they would benefit from a visit to a farm or forestry business within the EU, or who would be interested in hosting a suitably trained and experienced farm or forest manager at their holding can apply via the Farming Connect website up until 1st July.
 
“Now in its second year, the aim of the programme is to enable both parties to identify opportunities both personal and business development and to learn new and innovative or advanced best practice which they can implement at home and share with the wider industry in Wales,” said Miss Davies.
 
Successful participants will be expected to disseminate findings from their learning experience through Farming Connect’s usual communications channels and events programme.
 
In 2016, 8 candidates went on Management Exchanges which included visits to a mixed farm in France to look at grassland management techniques and a two way exchange with a German forester to study sustainable woodland management.
 
Sonia Winder from Llansadwrn, who went to Cologne as part of her exchange, said, “I was fortunate enough to meet 6 different forest managers, all of which spent time showing me around, grateful thanks are due to the German state of forest district. I would highly recommend the Management Exchange program, if you put a lot of research in, you get a lot out – as I did”
 
All applicants to the programme will need to be available for interview on 10th or 11th July in Aberystwyth. Successful applicants will also be invited to attend an official ceremony at the Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd on Monday 24 July. Successful applicants will then either undertake or host a visit for a period of up to approximately six weeks. Two-way exchange visits will be encouraged but are not essential. More information is available from Farming Connect here.