Farmers aged 40 and under, from all sectors, from all counties of Wales are invited to apply to join the group and to represent the future of the industry. In addition to working with NFU Cymru Policy Advisers and officeholders, on key issues such as future food and farming policy, members of the group will also get the opportunity to meet with key figures within government and the agri-food supply chain.
The group not only provides an opportunity to engage with top decision makers, but also the opportunity to network with fellow younger farmers and groups across the UK.
Planned activities
The group meets around four times a year to discuss key issues affecting young farmers. There are plans to visit both Cardiff Bay and Westminster to meet politicians, policy makers and to get to the heart of decision making for the Welsh agricultural industry. The scheme also offers a great opportunity to learn more about the industry and the role of the union.
The schedule is flexible to meet the needs and interests of the group, but previous groups have undertaken activities such as:
- Visit to Cardiff – Senedd and Welsh Government
- Visit to Westminster which included the Houses of Parliament, a visit to a London based City Farm and the US Embassy
- Aberystwyth University – IBERS, vet school and TB Centre of Excellence
- Castell Howell visit to discuss public procurement
- Farm tours focused on net zero, sustainability and business enterprise
- Media training
- Republic of Ireland study tour.
Why join?
The future of agriculture is dependent on good young farmers, driving forward innovation and improving competitiveness in each sector.
This is your chance to get involved in this important work:
- Opportunity to represent the younger generation of farmers within the UK's biggest farming membership organisation
- Create long standing relationships with like-minded people from all farming sectors around the country
- Experience new aspects of the agricultural industry from arable to dairy
- Be at the heart of political change as it unfolds
- Help the farming industry become more progressive and break boundaries
- It will be an amazing asset to add to your CV
- You will receive training to speak to the media
- Increase your knowledge of the inner workings of NFU Cymru
What do the previous group members say...
Rebecca Williams, a mixed farmer from Radnorshire who was a member of the previous NFU Cymru Next Generation Development Group said: “We took part in a fantastic range of meetings and visits across our two-year programme. With the policy changes coming through now that will affect our generation it was especially interesting to understand how governments in Cardiff and Westminster operate and how we as farmers can get our opinions across to make our voices heard.”
Jams Morgan, dairy farmer from Ceredigion who was also a member of the previous NFU Cymru Next Generation Development Group said: “I would encourage any younger farmers who want to get involved in the world of agriculture beyond their farm gate to apply for this opportunity. On top of the wealth of industry contacts we met across the two-year programme, I’ve made some brilliant and insightful new friends from across Wales who will be a massive benefit to me in the future.”
NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “The next generation is the lifeblood of Welsh farming and NFU Cymru is committed to working with the younger members of the industry. Our Next Generation Development Group has been a great working group for ideas on the future of the industry and has enjoyed real traction with policy makers. Being part of NFU Cymru’s Next Generation Development Group is a great opportunity to get your voice heard and to meet people from across the agriculture industry. I really encourage any NFU Cymru members that are interested in this fantastic opportunity to please complete an application without delay. We look forward to hearing from you.”
How to apply
If you are interested in applying, or know someone that is, please complete the application form. The deadline for applications is Friday 28 February 2025. Following the first-stage online application, shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual Microsoft Teams call during the week commencing 17 March.
The programme will run for a two-year term commencing with an induction at the end of April 2025.
Download the application form below
Available in English and Welsh language.
