At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with farmers, collect data, and support sustainable farming practices.
- Company: Join a family-run consultancy making a real impact in agriculture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel and the chance to shape future programmes.
- Why this job: Be part of transformative agricultural conversations and initiatives.
- Qualifications: Degree in agriculture or related field, strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 30000 £ per year.
About Future Food Solutions
Future Food Solutions (FFSL) is an East Yorkshire-based consultancy founded in 2013. We work at the intersection of farming, environmental improvement, and water quality, partnering with farmers, water companies, and food and drink brands to drive practical, lasting change in how land is managed across the UK. We are a family business. Our directors bring together deep roots in British farming with decades of agri-food consultancy experience. That combination shapes everything we do: we understand the realities of farm businesses, and we know what it takes to build programmes that farmers actually want to be part of.
Our flagship Sustainable Landscapes Programme is delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Water, Thames Water, and Anglian Water. It brings together groups of forward-thinking farmers to explore regenerative practices that improve soil health, water quality, and farm profitability simultaneously. The programme now spans over 80,000 hectares in Yorkshire alone, and farmers in our programme stay engaged because it genuinely works for their businesses, not just for the environment.
We are a small, close-knit team that works across a wide network of farmers, scientists, water professionals, and food industry partners. No two days are the same. You will get exposure to genuinely impactful work out in the field with farmers, in the data, and at the heart of some of the most important conversations happening in British agriculture right now.
Equality & Diversity
We are committed to a workplace where everyone is treated with fairness, respect, and dignity regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or background. We recognise that agriculture has historically lacked diversity and want to be part of changing that. Our recruitment is open and accessible to all, and we do not tolerate discrimination or exclusion of any kind.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a driven individual at the start of their career, whether you are a recent graduate in a relevant discipline or come from a strong practical farming background, to join the Future Food Solutions team as a Farmer Engagement Officer playing a central role in the delivery of our Sustainable Landscapes Programme across multiple water company catchments in England.
You will become a trusted and familiar face to the farmers on our programmes and someone they can rely on for practical advice, genuine engagement, and consistent support. The role combines field work, data collection, event coordination, and programme development, meaning no two weeks will look the same. You will be working at the heart of some of the most important conversations happening in British agriculture today.
Key Responsibilities
- Farmer Engagement & Relationship Building
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with farmers across multiple catchments, becoming a credible and dependable point of contact.
- Recruit new farmers into the programme, developing local networks and farmer groups from the ground up.
- Organise and facilitate farmer group meetings, farm walks, and knowledge-sharing events, ensuring they are well-attended, well-run, and genuinely useful to participants.
- Field Work & Data Collection
- Conduct regular farm visits to support participating farmers and monitor progress.
- Carry out on-farm data collection as part of structured knowledge programmes, ensuring data is collected accurately and consistently.
- Support the smooth running of on-farm trials of innovative technologies and regenerative practices, troubleshooting where needed and feeding findings back to the wider team.
- Programme Development & Delivery
- Develop compelling farmer case studies that demonstrate the real-world impact of the programme on soil health, water quality, and farm profitability.
- Contribute to the development of new programme areas and catchment initiatives, identifying opportunities to grow our reach and impact.
- Work closely with water company partners and other stakeholders to ensure programme objectives are being met.
- Reporting & Communication
- Maintain accurate records of farm visits, trial data, soil sampling results, and farmer engagement activity.
- Contribute to programme reports, partner updates, and knowledge hub content.
- Represent Future Food Solutions at agricultural events, shows, and industry gatherings.
About You
You will be passionate about farming, the environment, and the role that good land management can play in addressing the challenges of climate change and water quality. You are practical, personable, and organised whilst being equally comfortable presenting to a room of farmers as you are providing technical analysis.
You will need excellent communication skills and the ability to take complicated subjects and practices and translate them into something farmers want to engage with, with the confidence to hold your own in any farmyard conversation.
Above all, we are looking for a genuine self-starter. Someone who spots opportunities without being prompted, takes ownership of their work, and brings fresh thinking to the team. As a small, growing business, we want someone who will help push the programme and the company forward rather than simply deliver what is already in front of them. If you have ideas about how to expand our reach, sharpen our farmer engagement, or open up new areas of work, we want to hear them and back you to run with them.
Essential
- Degree in agriculture, environmental science, or a closely related discipline or equivalent experience with a strong farming background.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the confidence to build relationships quickly and credibly with farmers and industry partners.
- Organised and self-motivated, able to manage a varied workload across multiple locations.
- Genuine interest in regenerative agriculture, soil health, and sustainable land management.
- Must be willing to travel away from home for periods when required.
Desirable
- A farming background or practical farm experience.
- Familiarity with soil sampling techniques or on-farm trial methodology.
- Experience of event organisation or community/stakeholder engagement.
- Knowledge of water company catchment management or agri-environment schemes.
What We Offer
- The chance to work on programmes that are making a measurable difference to farming and the environment across England.
- A supportive, close-knit team with genuine expertise in regenerative agriculture and sustainable supply chains.
- Exposure to a wide network of farmers, water company professionals, food and drink brands, and academic researchers.
- A clear route to grow your role and responsibilities as the programme expands, with heavy involvement across the work from the outset and scope to take on more ownership over time.
- Genuine backing to bring new ideas forward, we want someone who will help shape how the programme and the business grow rather than simply deliver against a fixed brief.
- As a small business we recognise the impact of our team members through a profit sharing scheme.
Farmer Engagement Officer in Spalding employer: Future Food Solutions
Future Food Solutions is an exceptional employer located in East Yorkshire, offering a unique opportunity to engage with farmers and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. Our close-knit team fosters a supportive work culture where innovation is encouraged, and employees can grow their roles as the company expands. With a focus on meaningful impact, we provide exposure to a wide network of industry professionals and a profit-sharing scheme that recognises the contributions of our team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farmer Engagement Officer in Spalding
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Future Food Solutions often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Farmer Engagement Officer in Spalding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Future Food Solutions does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Future Food Solutions
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Future Food Solutions will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Future Food Solutions.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Future Food Solutions.