Strong start to ‘Resilient and Ready’ programme
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Over the past fortnight, Corteva and Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) have jointly hosted two discovery events in their quest to find two farmers to become industry leaders in sustainable farming.
Events in Scotland and Essex marked the launch of the Resilient and Ready Programme, and provided a platform for farmers to learn more about the project, speak to existing LEAF Demonstration Farmers and see sustainable farming practices in action.
Simon Parker, Marketing Manager at Corteva, said: “Agriculture is at a massive crossroads. We need to do more with the land, and also be sustainable.
“That’s why Corteva has partnered with LEAF to launch this programme. New technologies will play a massive role in sustainability and we want to work with farmers to offer tailored training and support – putting them at the frontline of access to new technologies.”
A Scottish event was hosted by Bowhill Farming near Selkirk in the Borders while E W Davies Farms at Thaxted in Essex attracted more than 15 farmers from far and wide. Attendees were shown a variety of sustainable diversification strategies across the two businesses with LEAF Demonstration Farmers sharing their ideas and vision for the future of agriculture.
Farmers said they were drawn to the events to learn more about the programme and how it may benefit their businesses long term. Particular attention was paid to the transition towards a more sustainable farming system.
Alice Midmer, Demonstration and Innovation Manager at LEAF said: “The three-year programme will offer access to some of the best sustainability experts in the businesses, technical support, training, resources and one-to-one mentoring.
“We want to hear from entrepreneurial farmers who are in the mindset for change. They will already be thinking about the role of UK farmers in responding to the big global challenges around climate change, biodiversity, soil fertility, water scarcity and health and wellbeing. They will have the vision, commitment and determination to learn new skills, to embrace the very latest thinking and make change happen.”
Applications to the Resilient and Ready programme are now open and farmers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
For more information on the scheme, and how to apply, visit the LEAF website: https://leafuk.org/about-leaf/working-in-partnership/resilient-and-ready
Applications close 30 November 2019.