A New Zealand study tour will take a group of individuals on a trip of a lifetime to progress their careers with the hope that, in turn, they will be able to help safeguard the future of the UK agricultural industry post Brexit.
Taking place in February 2019, the trip will enable the select group to understand the culture which has helped New Zealand become a world leader in a globally competitive agricultural market.
RABDF managing director Matthew Knight says sponsoring a place on the study tour not only fulfils the organisations charitable remit of developing young talent, but also ensures the next generation are challenging conventional thinking and preparing for any future uncertainty.
He says: “Successful candidates will have the chance to explore the landscape and country renowned for its innovation and liberalised non-subsidy system whilst looking at best practice and the core sectors of dairy, red meat, white meat, arable, fresh produce and agricultural diversifications.”
Kite Consulting, Tesco and ForFarmers were announced as sponsors of four extra places on the trip – the RABDF have now added to this by the sponsorship of a fifth. All of these places add to the original seven provided by The Louise Hartley Scholarship Fund and JCB In association with Farmers Guardian. New Zealand Trade and Investment will also provide support for the group during the tour.
Whilst the competition is open to all young people involved in agriculture, under the age of 35, the place sponsored by RABDF will be fulfilled by an individual who is either a member of the organisation, part of their Young Board or has been involved with the Entrepreneurs in Dairying programme or a finalist of the Dairy Student Award in the past two years.
The study group will report their findings and recommendations to the wider farming community through regular a correspondence during the trip and with articles and events on their return.
Applications are open until Friday 29 June. If you are applying through your involvement with RABDF for the place they are offering please send the completed application to victoriachomiak@rabdf.co.uk and make sure you state in what capacity you are linked to the organisation. Once an overall shortlist has been established, these candidates will be invited for an interview at JCB’s world headquarters in Staffordshire on Monday 16 July.