Farming Connect is looking for a new leader for its Agri Academy Business & Innovation programme, aimed at supporting the future of the Welsh farming, forestry, and horticulture sectors.

The part-time, self-employed role, which is largely home-based, involves planning and facilitating a series of workshops, training sessions, and study visits. The leader will guide participants through their personal development journeys, helping them build their businesses and careers in the agricultural sector.

Farming Connect’s Head of Skills, Einir Davies, said the ideal candidate should have a strong background in farming and business management, along with experience in innovative or diversified approaches.

The Agri Academy programme, now in its fourteenth year, includes three short but intensive study periods each year, typically in September, October, and November. These sessions include an overseas study visit and a business management challenge based on a real farm business.

Llyr Jones, a Denbighshire farmer and businessman who has led the programme since 2019, shared his experience of the role. Having participated in the programme himself in 2013, Llyr said it had a significant impact on his career.

“More than anything else, the businesspeople, mentors, coaches and new networks of friends and colleagues I met fuelled my drive and ambition for so many aspects of my life that I now take for granted," he said.

“Returning as the programme leader a few years later gave me an opportunity to give back in some way, and it’s been so rewarding to see so many people, from all sectors of the land-based industries, flourish and achieve so much.

“This is your opportunity to mentor and support some of the up-and-coming rural stars of the future."

Applications for the role are open until 12pm on Friday, March 28. Interested candidates are asked to send their CV and covering letter to [email protected]