A YOUNG farmer from Pembrokeshire is laying the foundations for a bright future in the industry, thanks to a prestigious new scheme.

As well as securing a place in the first intake of Tesco’s Future Farmer Foundation, Carwyn James, aged 21, from Crymych, has gone even further, earning a spot in the Future 15 scheme, a rigorous programme for the most remarkable youngsters.

Beef and sheep farmer Carwyn said: “Being a part of the very first Future Farmer Foundation is a real privilege, and I feel extremely lucky to be a part of such an enthusiastic group of future farmers. It's an exciting time to be farming. Through Future Farmer Foundation I hope to develop a thorough understanding of the market as well as good strategic planning skills to make the most of opportunities that come my way.”

Carwyn’s 300-acre family farm is home to a flock of 300 Texel and Suffolk sheep, as well as a herd of 50 Hereford suckler cows and followers. Over the next year they plan to expand the business and take steps to establish a dairy herd.

“In a year's time we will have hopefully purchased our very first heifer calves ready to rear as our future herd, with a business plan in place that is resilient to the volatility of a changing industry,” added Carwyn.

As part of the Future Farmer Foundation, 50 young farmers take part in business planning workshops, and will also have access to Tesco’s online Producer Network, where more than 2,000 producers and suppliers share best practice and ideas, and access expertise from industry leaders.

The Future 15 scheme includes tailored training and support, supply chain experience, access to an individual inspirational mentor and the opportunity to win an international research scholarship. At their first two day training event, the group attended master-classes on succession planning, entrepreneurship and strategic decision making.

Tom Hind, director of agriculture at Tesco said: “We are delighted to have such an enthusiastic and determined group of young farmers to get the Future Farmer Foundation off to a flying start. Their drive and passion for farming is a real inspiration and we’re delighted to help them shape their business ideas and career goals over the next year.”

The second application window for Tesco’s Future Farmer Foundation opened on June 20, and the programme will begin in the autumn.