Farmers between the ages of 20 and 35 can apply to participate in the 2018 edition of the 12-month programme. Those selected will be invited to take part in five two-day workshops and attend a range of meetings and visits with food processors. A dedicated mentor will advise each farmer and there will be further opportunities for training and placements with partners of the programme, which include ABP, Bayer Crop Science, Kepak, Ornua and Two Sisters Food Group.

The Tesco Future Farmer Foundation aims 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”.

Potato grower Jason Bryan from Co Cork said participating in the programme had “helped [him] to look at [his] farm more like a business rather than a way of life” and diversify into laying hens.

Applications are open to farmers aged 20 to 35 living in the UK and Ireland who are not in full-time education.

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Apply on the Tesco Future Farming Foundation’s website