Worshipful Company of Grocers Prize Fund: ‘Making a Difference’ – The Bath and West Agricultural Innovation Prize Fund
Objective:
This initiative aims to encourage innovation in agricultural business models that address critical challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil health, animal welfare, and farmer well-being. It seeks to create significant positive impacts for farmers and growers in the West Country and beyond.
The prize will support personal development and practical learning through the Roots to Regeneration programme, designed for farmers striving to transition their business models towards regenerative farming practices. The focus is on unlocking innovative farming strategies, enhancing enterprise design, and fostering new collaborations.
Prize Details:
Two members of the farming community in the South West of England can win a total of £5,000 in prize money, sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Grocers. Each winner will receive a bursary of £2,500 to help subsidize their participation in the groundbreaking Roots to Regeneration agriculture training programme led by Clare Hill and Caroline Grindrod.
This transformative learning experience encompasses a comprehensive regenerative design process, on-farm practical experiences, engaging online learning modules, live sessions featuring guest experts, bi-weekly coaching calls, and dedicated support for farmers. The two-year experiential programme combines technical knowledge in soil, plant, and animal systems with a focus on regenerative business model design and personal development.
Who is it for?
We welcome applications from farmers, veterinarians, agronomists, and other agricultural advisors who have a direct impact on agricultural business models and innovation in farming.
Application Process:
Farmers or farm advisors are invited to submit a brief outline (no more than 500 words) detailing their top three objectives for participating in the Roots to Regeneration learning programme. Additionally, applicants should describe how they envision evolving their farming systems over the next five years and the potential outcomes this transformation could yield in terms of climate, nature, animal welfare, and farmer wellbeing.
For example, possible outcomes from the learning programme may include:
– Reduction of phosphate pollution in rivers and other water sources resulting from agricultural activities.
– Practical strategies for integrating biodiversity into productive farming.
– Measurable improvements in soil health and farm resilience in the face of climate change.
All applications should be submitted via email to info@plantonfarm.co.uk by December 24, 2024.
We may require proof of applicants’ availability and willingness to commit to the programme.
Evaluation:
A panel of three independent experts and leaders in regenerative farming will evaluate the submitted proposals and allocate the prize money.
Panel composition will be confirmed, but we may include a representative from Roots to Regeneration, potentially an existing farmer participant from the 2024 cohort.