The National Sheep Association (NSA) has opened applications for young sheep farmers to join a visit to the Houses of Parliament next month.
The opportunity will allow a group of 12 young sheep farmers to “go behind the scenes” and learn about how agricultural policy is brought about, the association said.
The trip will take place on Tuesday, February 7, until Wednesday, February 8, and will include an overnight stay and a visit from Marks and Spencer’s agricultural buying team.
Applications for attending the trip will close on Thursday, January 26; successful applicants will be contacted on Monday, January 30.
The trip
The group will visit the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and attend a meeting with dignitaries and representatives from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The overnight stay in central London aims to provide the opportunity for young sheep farmers to meet with like-minded young shepherds to share views and experiences over dinner, while gaining insights into the practicalities of world of agricultural policy.
NSA policy manager, Emma Bradbury, will be joining the group on the trip and said it will be 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,” she added.
Applications are now invited from interested parties aged 18 to 35. NSA members and non-members alike are invited to join the visit, although those not currently NSA members are encouraged to join the association.
A short application form must be completed to be in with a chance of being chosen as one of the visiting group.
