The Leadership and Management Programme (LAMP), established by the Worshipful Company of Farmers, will target the personal development of its participants, while helping to contribute to the growth of the wider rural sector, explains Richard Soffe, director of Duchy and Bicton College’s Rural Business School.

Launching in October, the course is aimed at 20-30 year-olds who are in the early stages of their career and may or may not have formal academic qualifications. “This is an age gap we have wanted to target for some time, as it is a really important age to get set up for the future,” adds Mr Soffe. “It can make all the difference to someone’s career.”

The programme, run in conjunction with Duchy and Bicton Colleges, is a week-long residential course held in the Midlands, and will help attendees to develop basic leadership skills, undertake self-assessment and achieve high standards in everything they do. “We want the course to help delegates develop a deeper understanding of the wider business environment and to improve their capacity to operate effectively within their own businesses,” explains Mr Soffe.

“The course is a foundation for candidates which can then be built upon throughout their careers by attending the Challenge of Rural Leadership course and Advanced Course in Agricultural Business Management.” Incorporating the use of live case studies, guest speakers and a personal development plan, it will be a platform on which delegates can shape their careers.

Participants will also benefit from mentor support for a year after the attending the programme, giving them the chance to keep track of their progress and continue building on what they have learnt, he says. “Supporting the younger generation is essential for the development of British agriculture, as they are the basis upon which the future is built.”

Jane King, CEO at AHDB adds: “We are entering a defining moment for the future of the industry and strong leadership will be fundamental to our future success. Courses like the Challenge of Rural Leadership are truly inspirational in finding and nurturing great leaders who grow spectacular businesses and go on to have real impact and influence on others. Personal development and a positive attitude towards lifelong learning will be vital if we’re to build a world class industry together.”