Farming and academic experts are wanted by the Farmer Scientist Network to help drive change in British agriculture amid pressing sustainability and climate change challenges.
The Farmer Scientist Network is part of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s family of networks which provide support, advice, and opportunity for those within the agricultural industry to develop personally and professionally.
Typically meeting up to three times a year, the Network is inviting committed, passionate individuals who want to make a difference to apply to join the group in a voluntary role.
The Network’s members are scientists with a track record of academic excellence and commitment to strategic research related to agriculture and land-use, senior representatives from relevant governmental organisations, and farmers running a wide range of successful enterprises across the region.
New members with farming and academic expertise in four keys areas of focus are particularly being sought: in regenerative agricultural practices, animal and soil health, agri-tech solutions and mitigating climate change in agriculture.
Professor Rob Edwards, Chair of the Farmer Scientist Network, said:
What unites all members of the Farmer Scientist Network is a passion for farming and a strong personal commitment to the future success of British agriculture.
Globally, we know that farming is on a journey of great transformation with the pressures of sustainable productivity and climate change challenges at its heart.
It is essential that we in the UK can build on the expertise of our scientists and farmers to inspire, encourage and support changes to meet these challenges.
At this important juncture for British agriculture, the Farmer Scientist Network is looking for new members to take on these challenges and identify new ways in which science and technology can find solutions.
The Farmer Scientist Network will embrace its vision to encourage sustainable productivity by bringing innovative farmers and scientists together to work collaboratively, and by advancing, encouraging, and delivering agricultural research.
The Network also seeks to inspire future generations and champion urgent changes needed within the industry during the transition to new UK agricultural policies.
The Farmer Scientist Network has an excellent track record, having developed research and educational programmes to inform much-needed developments in the industry, including two European Innovation Partnership projects (EIP-Agri), Hill Sheep Health North and Crop Health North.
Engagement events are held across the region by the Network to inspire the farming community.
Most recently, farmers and academics were brought together at the Great Yorkshire Showground in March for a summit exploring regenerative agricultural practices – watch the short clip below for a flavour of the event.
Members of the Network are expected to attend meetings and can take part in optional additional activity through project working groups.
How to apply
To apply to join the Farmer Scientist Network, please attached your CV to a covering email, to Hollyj@yas.co.uk or call 01423 546 251 to discuss the opportunity in further detail.
The deadline for applications is Tuesday 14th June 2022.
