A fully funded career development and networking programme for young farmers and agri-professionals is now open for applications, offering incredible insights and hands-on experience from inspirational businesses throughout the supply chain from farms to consumers.

Run by member-owned co-operative AF Group, Fresh AF will select up to 20 participants from across the UK. The one-year programme focuses on building knowledge, skills and confidence in farming, innovation and business development. AF is the UK's leading agricultural purchasing co-op and helps Members save money and time by negotiating competitive prices on farm inputs and products.

The 2026 theme "The Roots to Results" follows the journeys from agricultural inputs, different management styles and business models through to the final products on plates.  "The group will get through a marvellous menu of food production stories in different parts of the UK. Every business visit, every talk and every conversation will add to the Fresh AF cohort's strong understanding of different supply chains, the management choices and decisions being taken on farm and responses to market pressures," says Fresh AF chair Susie Emmett.

The programme kicks off at AF Group HQ near Norwich in September 2026, followed by a series of unique visits to some of the most innovative, forward-thinking farms and agricultural businesses in the UK, before wrapping up with a finale event in June 2027, where participants present what they have learned and how they are going to use their fresh knowledge.

Fresh AF 2026 includes visits to farms and processors plus high-value skill-building workshops in management and better business communications.

Previous cohorts have visited businesses, brands and break-through innovators of all kinds and scales. These have included Wildfarmed, Arla Foods, Dyson Farming, Euston Estate, speciality Borough food market, Equatorial Coffee Traders and Timac Agro in France.

"Being part of the Fresh AF 2025 cohort was invaluable," says Adam Godwin, assistant farm manager at the North Norfolk farm for Sentry - national farming company, and rural business advisors. "The whole experience was brilliant, from the farm visits to the networking opportunities, and it's given me the confidence to try new things.

"I especially valued the visit to Dyson Farming, where I've taken on board their approach to data collection and built more trust in the process. All the visits are valuable - I wouldn't necessarily have visited a business like Arla Foods otherwise, but it was fascinating to see how different organisations operate, it's been a real eye-opener. It's also been great to get to know the AF team," he says.

Georgina Saunders, graduate surveyor at Residentially chartered surveyors says the Fresh AF experience had numerous benefits: "Being part of Fresh AF 2025 has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It's broadened my understanding of the industry and connected me with like-minded, forward-thinking people.

"From visiting innovative businesses to developing skills in communication and public speaking, the experience has given me the confidence to try new ideas and apply them in my role."

"Take this chance to step outside your day-to-day role and see the bigger picture. Whether it's learning about supply chains, building confidence in communication and leadership, or gaining insight through industry visits, Fresh AF will have a lasting positive impact on you - personally and professionally," Alex Robinson, Fresh AF committee member.

The deadline for applications is 31 May 2026. To apply, visit https://af.farm/fresh. Up to 20 places are available and spaces are taken up quickly, so it's advisable to apply soon.