Growing Future Farmers (GFF) is recruiting a new general manager to support its growth, with the number of students joining the programme skyrocketing by more than 700% in two years.
Current general manager Cyn Smith has been instrumental in the programme’s success, supported by a team of 10 regional liaison managers and the GFF board of trustees.
The original GFF pilot programme started in 2020 in Wairarapa and Gisborne, involving just 10 students and 10 sheep, beef and deer farms.
This year, more than 60 first-year students started with the programme.
For 2023, 80 students are expected to take up placements on 80 farms in 12 regions across New Zealand.
Smith took up the role of in 2020 on a part-time basis while the programme was in its infancy.
As GFF continues to thrive, she said there is an opportunity for a full-time general manager to lead the programme and its team into the next phase of growth.
“Right now, our primary industries are crying out for staff and there are limited pathways for succession, which presents a real risk to the industry. Growing Future Farmers can help fill the gap, while providing school leavers with a viable career option,” Smith said.
“Our goal has always been to raise the industry standard of fit-for-work, educated and reliable farm students. I’m proud of what we have achieved over the last two years, and I am confident we have laid a solid foundation for the future growth of the programme.”
The recruitment process is already underway.
GFF chair John Jackson said there is an opportunity to continue to grow and refine the programme for young students who are keen to train at an entry level in the sheep, beef and deer industries.
“These keen young future farmers have a crucial role to play in supporting our primary sector to thrive.”
