ARE YOU UP FOR THE S&YFAP CHALLENGE?

Are you ready?

Covid-19 made everything a bit weird, but thankfully we’re getting back to a bit of normality now. This means we’re getting to recruit our newest bunch of NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors

WHAT IS IT?

This Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme is a year-long series of events designed to give young people the opportunity to engage with the work of the NFU and to put their own stamp on the future of British farming.

WHY TAKE PART?

• This is an opportunity to become an influential member of the UK’s biggest farming membership organisation • Network with like-minded individuals from different locations around the country and farming sectors • Experience new aspects of the agriculture industry, supply chain, other sectors and politics • Foster a culture of inclusivity and kindness in the farming community • It will be an amazing asset to add to your CV and a way to engage with NFU boards and forums • It’s an opportunity to promote yourself, your college or your business locally and nationally • Receive writing and media training

WHAT’S THE APPLICATION CRITERIA?

• Be an NFU Student & Young Farmer member (It’s free! Sign up at

NFUonline.com/student) • Aged between 18 and 26 years • To be located in England or Wales • Have a vested interest in farming and rural affairs • Available to attend all events with confirmed dates (see timetable, right) • Have an interest in speaking to the media or writing content for various

NFU publications • Be committed to promoting the values of inclusivity and kindness in the industry S&YFAP INCLUSIVITY PLEDGE

We believe the more diversity within agriculture, the more innovative and sustainable the future of farming will be. In line with the NFU’s value of inclusivity, the Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme has always welcomed applicants from different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives.

We especially welcome applications from people who feel their community has, so far, been underrepresented in the agriculture industry or in the S&YFAP group, be that in relation to (but not limited to) their race, colour, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

The NFU and its sponsors will ensure that the programme is free for participants. All food, overnight stays and reasonable travel expenses will be covered as long as participants attend all events. Additional opportunities may arise throughout the course of the programme that are optional and can be undertaken at the participant’s own expense.

WHEN DO APPLICATIONS OPEN?

Applications are open between 6 September and 31 October 2021. Following a first-stage written application, successful candidates will be invited to a final-stage interview in November 2021.

Timeline

January 2022:

Two-day induction programme (to be held at NFU HQ subject to Covid-19 restrictions)

February 2022:

Attend NFU Conference across two days at the ICC in Birmingham, including attending political sessions, workshops, sector breakouts, formal dinner and an overnight stay (subject to Covid-19 restrictions)

Easter 2022:

Help to guest-edit the NFU Student & Young Farmer Takeover Edition of Student Farmer magazine

Summer 2022*:

Student Farmer magazine trip, with a focus on engaging with a more unusual aspect of the agricultural industry. Previous trips have included a tour of the Houses of Parliament, a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels and an overview of the British cut flower supply chain

September 2022:

Support the NFU’s Back British Farming Day in lobbying government to see the value of British food and farming

November 2022*:

Represent the British agricultural industry at Lord Mayor’s Show in London, including an overnight stay the night before

Timetable is subject to change, and events may be removed, rescheduled or changed. * These dates will be confirmed at a later stage

What do other ambassadors think?

Harry Madin

North West representative, 2019/20 “The programme has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s done amazing things for my confidence, getting exposed to the inner workings of UK and EU agriculture as well as meeting some amazing people from across the industry. The team are willing to help with anything and everything.”

Poppy Burrough

South West representative, 2019/20 “I can safely say the experiences I have had on the NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme have been some of the best things I have done. The scheme has presented chances to go places and take part in activities that I would never have had the opportunity to do. If you are unsure of applying, I only have one piece of advice – do it!”

Katie Smith

West Midlands respresentative, 2020/21 “The NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme is a fabulous opportunity for young people interested in the future of British agriculture. As someone who is really keen to get involved in the industry but doesn’t come from a farming background, it has given me so many opportunities to speak to industry experts, receive invaluable training and give my opinions on projects that will help shape the future of agriculture!”

Gethin Johnson

NFU Cymru representative, 2019/20 “To be one of 10 like-minded young farmers on the ambassador programme this year has been an incredible experience. From parading a tractor through the streets of London in front of more than 500,000 spectators to being sat in the European Parliament in Brussels, it’s just truly been a once in a lifetime experience and I urge every young farmer to apply for this year’s ambassadorship.”

“Mae bod yn un or ddeg ffermwr ifanc ar yr raglen llysgennad yr NFU eleni wedi bod yn brofiad anhygoel. O barablu tractor trwy strydoedd Llundain o flaen mwy na 500,000 o wylwyr i fod yn eistedd yn senedd Ewrop ym Mrwsel, mae o wedi bod yn brofiad unwaith mewn oes ac anogaf bob ffermwr ifanc i ymgeisio am lysgenhadaeth eleni.”