The National Sheep Association (NSA) has announced it has opened applications for young sheep farmers with a particular interest in agricultural policy, to join an insightful event visiting the Houses of Parliament in London next month.
This unique opportunity will allow a group of up to 12 passionate young sheep farmers to join together to go behind the scenes to learn more about how agricultural policy is brought about its current influence on the sector.
Including a visit to both the House of Commons and the House of Lords as well as a meeting with major dignitaries and Defra representatives, the trip will enable attendees to question the people in power on key issues affecting the next generation of sheep farmers.
The visit will take place on February 11 – 12, kicking off with discussions on trade, hosted by Beef & Lamb New Zealand, before an evening meal at the prestigious Farmers Club where Neil Farron MP, well-known for his support of British Agriculture, will join as an after dinner speaker.
The NSA said that Farron will provide an interesting insight into the world of Westminster as well as his thoughts on current and proposed agricultural policy.
After the dinner and an overnight stay in central London that the NSA said will provide an opportunity to meet with like minded young shepherds, the group will travel together to the Houses of Parliament.
NSA trip
The two day event will conclude with lunch and an informative visit and talk with retailer, Marks and Spencer’s Agricultural buying team at their London Headquarters.
NSA communications manager, Katie James, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with an interest in how laws are formed and passed and the subsequent effect they have on the farming sector.
“NSA Next Generation is very encouraging of younger people in the industry becoming involved in work to help form agricultural policy, so we do hope to attract some enthusiastic young sheep farmers to join us for this inspiring trip.
“It really is a great opportunity to view behind the scenes of where the decisions affecting them happen at a crucial time for British agriculture.”
The trip has been arranged and sponsored by NSA President, Lord Inglewood. Inglewood is an active member of the House of Lords, as well as a farmer and landowner in Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith, Cumbria, with both upland and lowland interests.
He has served as NSA President since 2017.
The NSA has announced that applications are now invited from interested parties aged between 18 to 35, from both NSA members and non-members alike, but the latter are encouraged to join the association.
NSA said that a short application form must be completed to be in with a chance of winning a place on the trip, of which the guided tour of Parliament, accommodation and food will be fully funded, however those joining the trip will be expected to pay for their own transport costs.
According to NSA, applications will close on January 30, and successful applicants will be contacted by February 3.
