Sustainable farming champions sought as second round of Resilient and Ready applications open

Sus­tain­able farm­ing cham­pi­ons sought as second round of Resilient and Ready appli­ca­tions open

The search to find two more emerg­ing sus­tain­able farm­ing lead­ers starts today as appli­ca­tions open for Resilient and Ready – a ground­break­ing, industry-leading pro­gramme deliv­ered by sus­tain­able farm­ing organ­i­sa­tion LEAF (Link­ing Envi­ron­ment And Farm­ing) and Corte­va Agriscience.

Resilient and Ready, supported by Corteva, combines the best of technical insight and commercial application. Participating farmers will develop their leadership and management skills with a specific focus on business growth and innovation.

Over three years, the immersive training programme offers a unique blend of in-field training, one-to-one mentoring and access to management tools designed to challenge current thinking, develop skills and know-how to build business resilience

Successful applicants will get:

• Training from both LEAF and external partners
• Services, support and trialling opportunities from Corteva
• One-to-one mentoring and on-farm specialist advice
• State of the art communications training offering the skills, know-how and confidence to go on to become leaders and innovators in sustainable farming
• Benchmarking and monitoring in key aspects of sustainability
• Three years membership of LEAF

Depending on suitability and priorities, participating farmers will have the opportunity to become LEAF Demonstration Farmers and/or LEAF Marque certified.

Will Sibly, Business Relationship Coordinator at LEAF and project co-lead explained:

“We know that farmers can bring many positive, integrated solutions to key issues that the industry faces, and it is paramount that farmers lead the way in shaping the possibilities for circular and sustainable food and farming systems.

Resilient and Ready has been shaped from the very start from our desire to build future farming leaders. This has to start at a grass roots level. We want to hear from farmers who are keen to make a difference – not only on their own businesses but also at an industry level.

They may just be starting to think about ways to farm more sustainably or well on their way, what matters most is that they are motivated to change, keen to learn and up for challenge.

This is an amazing opportunity for farmers to transform their own businesses and make a real difference to today’s fast-moving industry.”

Caroline McCartney, Corteva project co-lead added:

“As an industry, collectively we need to support farmers in that journey to further their sustainability and resilience, and help them in answering the important questions that British farming is facing at the moment.

We are going through a period of significant change and Corteva wants to play its part in supporting that transition by promoting the practical tools to ensure farm businesses are resilient and ready for the future.

“Farmers want to provide a sustainable supply of food to customers at home and abroad, to be leaders in animal welfare and environmental management and to drive innovation using research and technology.

“This programme is all about developing raw talent and investing in the sustainable farming leaders of the future; we are delighted and proud to support it.”

Applications for Resilient and Ready are now open and close on 4th November. Application forms available here.