Tesco Purley Extra

Thanet Earth and Branston are assisting Tesco with its latest Future Farmer Foundation activity.

The foundation is open once again to receive applications from enthusiastic young farmers who wish to make their mark on the industry.

Tesco launched the Future Farmer Foundation in 2014 to 'help bright, talented, determined young people make a confident start in the world of agriculture; whether they are looking to take over the family farm, embark on a new farming venture, or have an ambition to enter the industry for the first time.'

This intake, the third for the foundation, will build on some of the successes that Tesco claims have already been achieved in the previous years.

According to Tesco, around 100 young people have already benefited from the programme, which aims to develop the business and personal skills of the participants and teach them about the importance of an effective supply chain for a modern sustainable farm business.

Lisa Buckley-Hoyle, Tesco’s category director for sourcing and agriculture, said: 'Our Future Farmer Foundation is about encouraging people to make their own start in the world of agriculture. We have been delighted with huge drive and enthusiasm we have seen so far with the intake in previous years and we are confident that this year will be even better.

'At Tesco, we recognise the many challenges young people face in this industry. As British agriculture’s biggest customer, it is important to us that we help create opportunities for the next generation of farmers.'

Training is delivered by experts in their respective fields from across agriculture, and the foundation is supported by leading food and farming businesses including the aforementioned Thanet Earth and Branston, and other firms including Bayer Crop Science, Muller-Wiseman, and Noble Foods.

Buckley Hoyle added: 'By aiming to provide participants with the opportunity to be exposed to all parts of the industry and supply chain, the Future Farmer Foundation has already helped to create a new generation of customer focused entrepreneurs in a fast moving and global industry.'

'Future farmers' will also have the opportunity to apply for a Tesco International Scholarship, worth up to £5,500.