Worshipful company of farmers postpones agricultural courses until 2021
19th May 2020
Two long-running agricultural educational courses have been postponed for 12 months because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Alan Buckwell addresses delegates at the 69th ACABM.
The Worshipful Company of Farmers (WCF), Royal Agricultural University (RAU) and Duchy College have announced that the 70th Advanced Course in Agricultural Business Management (ACABM), due to start in November 2020, will now begin in November 2021. Meanwhile the 25th Challenge of Rural Leadership (CRL), scheduled for January 2021, will commence in January 2022.
“After detailed discussions with the teams at the RAU and Duchy College, we reluctantly concluded that a postponement of 12 months for both courses was necessary,” says Richard Davies, WCF Chairman of Education.
“While disappointing, the postponement will maintain the quality and integrity of these two highly regarded courses and ensure no compromise in the experience for delegates.”
Mr Davies explains that the decision had been influenced by the likelihood of on-going social distancing measures through the winter months. “It will be better for potential delegates, the course delivery teams and the roster of senior, visiting speakers, if we take this early, positive decision.”
Applications already received will be carried forward to the new dates, but the WCF has urged potential applicants not to put off an application for one of the limited places, despite the postponement. Revised closing dates for applications will be 30thJune 2021 for the 70th ACABM and 30th September 2021 for the 25th CRL.
Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers, David Bolton, says: “These two courses, a major part of our charitable activity, have made a significant contribution to the farming industry over many years.
“Following Brexit and now the COVID-19 crisis, management and leadership skills will become even more important as we move into what may be described as a new ‘third era of farming’ here in the UK.
“We look forward to gathering the usual high-quality cohort of delegates for the 25th CRL and 70th ACABM over the coming months. Our re-scheduled courses will help them to identify and overcome the challenges they will undoubtedly face in the future.”
Further information about the postponed courses is available on the Company’s website, www.farmerslivery.org.uk.
