A new cross-organisation campaign, #AgriLeadershipWeek, with the aim of raising awareness of pan-industry leadership training across the agricultural career spectrum has launched today.
Taking place between 17-21 May 2021, #AgriLeadershipWeek is a joint scheme by AHDB, Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, Institute for Agricultural Management (IAgrM), Worshipful Company of Farmers (WCF) and The Farmers Club Charitable Trust (FCCT).
The campaign is targeting current and aspiring leaders within agriculture who may be unaware of or are yet to make use of any leadership training.
It also wants to tackle the lack of formal agricultural education in the UK, when compared to its international partners, as only one-in-three agricultural workers in Britain have completed any form of proper training and schooling, compared with seven-in-ten in both the Netherlands and Germany.
Throughout the third week of May each year, there will be social media support from each partner involved in the scheme showcasing the great experiences of leadership training and signposting ways to get involved and further develop yourself.
“Strong leadership within the sector has never been more important,” said Amie Burke, skills development manager at AHDB. “The agricultural industry is both large and complex and is moving into a period of rapid change driven by political and policy changes. We’re thrilled to be working with our industry partners on such a key initiative.”
Chris Graf Grote, Chairman at Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, said the initiative is: “important step towards making agriculture more aware of the needs for good leadership and the comprehensive training that is already available.”
Karen Mercer of the WCF said the courses have the potential to change your life, career and business in ‘so many positive ways’.
Victoria Bywater of IAgrM said the Institute of Agricultural Management was ‘very pleased’ to be part of this important work.
And Stephen Fletcher, chair of the Farmers Club Charitable Trust, said: “Investing in the future by developing our current and future agricultural leaders has never been so imperative. In a game changing collaboration, leading providers are coming together to provide a platform for the sharing of opportunities and pathways to support rural and agricultural leadership. The initiative will enable an individual to identify the most appropriate ‘leader journey’ to suit their own needs at any given time during their career.”
