Six growers in England and Wales have the opportunity to see their business become a new monitor farm at a critical time for agriculture as the uncertainties of Brexit unfold.

Existing monitor farm projects, run by AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds, will begin to draw to a close from next summer, which means there is space for new growers to step-up, lead trials and meetings of host farmers.

Tim Isaac, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds head of knowledge exchange says these new monitor farms will be appointed in the spring and will hold farmer meets from summer 2017 until 2020 against the backdrop of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

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“The timescale for these farms is really important. During this period we will see trade and policy negotiations taking place and should get a better idea of what the referendum result will mean for farmers.

“The monitor farms provide a unique opportunity for farmers to access independent expertise on both a business and agronomic level, and discuss potential solutions to shared challenges.”

The AHDB is particularly looking to appoint growers who are looking to:

• Boost technical performance, profit and long-term sustainability
• Manage costs of production and benchmark against similar businesses
• Share knowledge and influence best practice within their local area
• Forge relationships with the wider industry

Growers wishing to apply to become a monitor farm should get in touch with their local AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds knowledge exchange manager by 31 December 2016.