This year鈥檚 CDP (Cereals Development Programme), hosted by Openfield and the NFU, will open for applications at Cereals 2025.
Come along to our stand, number 277 at Cereals to speak to members of the NFU Combinable Crops Board about the programme and how you can participate.
What is the CDP?
鈥淚 want to help encourage the next cohort of the CDP to see that there is a future and it鈥檚 brighter than it might seem.鈥�
CPD Chair Thomas Matthews
The programme will focus on providing the opportunity for members aged between 25 and 35 to gain an in-depth knowledge of the combinable crops sector, the vast array of stakeholders that rely on this foundation of food production and the significant work being undertaken behind the scenes to support growers.听
This year鈥檚 programme offers a diverse and engaging itinerary. Participants will visit both the NFU and Openfield headquarters, along with a trip to Westminster for a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament and the opportunity to gain insights from NFU officeholders about the NFU鈥檚 work on lobbying government.听
Industry visits will guide participants through the entire supply chain 鈥� from intake to the production of the finished loaf of bread. Along the way, they will explore key areas such as research, development, and plant breeding through industry visits to Portbury Docks, the John Innes Centre, and other centres of innovation.
In addition to site visits, the programme will feature a series of guest speakers including researchers, politicians and sector leaders who will be sharing their knowledge and insights as we look to demonstrate what the sector has to offer.听
Developing future leaders听
The primary objective of the CDP is to support and accelerate the development of the future leaders of our sector. Our alumni includes the current NFU Combinable Crops Board Chair Jamie Burrows, Welsh Crops Board Chair Tom Reese and even a former NFU officeholder.听
Many CDP Alumni have gone on to become regional and national Crops Board members, NFU officeholders, and influential leaders across the wider industry.听
Why should I apply?听
With the application window for the 2025 CDP fast approaching, CDP Chair and Dorset farmer, Thomas Matthews, shares his experience of the programme and explains why you should apply. 听
He said: 鈥淚 joined the last programme in 2023 as one of 15 young arable farmers with an ambition to learn more about the sector we work in every day. Agriculture is, in itself, a complex, extensive and somewhat daunting industry and getting to grips with where our farms fit into the system can be challenging. The initial hurdle to overcome is knowing where to start.
鈥淚 understand the pressure that many of my fellow young farmers face from day to day, I myself am a contract farmer for 425 hectares at 26 years old, trying to see opportunities in a somewhat gloomy world at this point in time.
鈥淎s Chair, I want to help encourage the next cohort of the CDP to see that there is a future and it鈥檚 brighter than it might seem.鈥�
How to apply
Applications will open on 11 June. To apply, please email your CV along with a covering letter explaining why you鈥檇 like to be part of the programme to听Alastair Heinrich NFU Combinable Crops Adviser. Please include your membership ID.听
The deadline for applications is 31 July 2025.
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