Are you the next generation Agricultural Productivity Group (APG) farming representative?

Young farmers are invited to represent the next generation on the Agricultural Productivity Group (APG).

Farming productivity is essential to a prosperous UK agricultural sector.The APG is an industry group co-convened by Defra and the NFU to lead constructive engagement, challenge and support across key sector organisations in England, and to drive industry-led change in support of future productivity.

The APG would like to invite the participation of a young farmer, to represent the next generation and contribute your experience, thoughts, challenges and ideas as a future farming leader. To apply you must meet the following criteria.

Criteria for applying

• You will be an active farmer in England who wants to contribute to future agricultural productivity aims and bring next generation on-farm experience to policy makers and industry.
• You should be a strong communicator, ideally with existing evidence of engagement among peers.
• You must be aged 35 or under.
• Within reason to personal circumstance, you must be willing to make yourself available to attend four hybrid (virtual and in-person attendance available) meetings over a 12-month period from January 2026. There may be additional opportunity to become involved in ‘task-and-finish’ activities on a voluntary basis, and the successful applicant will benefit from mentoring support throughout the appointment term.

How to apply

If you’d like to contribute, please express your interest to agri-tech-sector-policy@defra.gov.uk by 17:00 17 November 2025.

To apply, you should provide a few sentences to explain your farming experience and why you should be chosen to take up this opportunity - 400 words maximum. Applicants may be invited to further online conversation prior to invitation to join the forum*.

Contact sarah.palmer@nfyfc.org.uk or gail.soutar@nfu.org.uk if you would like to discuss or find out further information.

*APG membership does not constitute a public appointment, and the Forum is not a formal public body. However, whilst participating in the Forum, all members are encouraged to adhere to the Seven Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership).