McDonald’s recruiting progressive young farmers

Students at colleges and universities, not just those studying agriculture, are invited to apply to the Progressive Young Farmer Training Programme with a new cohort of applicants set to be excepted later in the year.

Successful applicants are awarded a 12-month paid placement during which they will be mentored by farmers and given first-hand experience of practical farming and business management.

The programme is now in its fourth year.

Farming Minister Mr Eustice said: “Food and farming are the cornerstone of our £210 billion-a-year rural economy and we need innovative new entrants coming into the sector who are able to meet the challenges that agriculture will face in the future.

“Via the Rural Development Programme, and the £160 million Agri-Tech Strategy, we are creating help for young farmers to gain new skills and develop their careers. It’s also great to see businesses like McDonald’s support newcomers through initiatives like the Progressive Young Farmer Training Programme.”