With the aim of developing the next generation of farmers and suppliers, the Co-op Farming Pioneers training programme is now in its second year, having first launched in April 2016.

The aim of the programme is to develop 60 of the agricultural industry’s future leaders over a period of two years; equipping participants with the knowledge, business skills and personal awareness to develop resilient businesses, which will thrive in a fast-changing world.

The cohort of five young poultry farmers form a third of 2017’s new Farming Pioneers intake, who all hail from farming communities from across the United Kingdom.

Delegates underwent a rigorous selection process in order to earn their place on the programme.

Each participant is aged between 21 and 35 years old and currently works in a farming business that is a long-term supply partner to the Co-op.

Ciara Gorst, the Co-op’s head of agriculture, said: "We’re delighted to be welcoming the second intake of young farming talent.

"For these young people, it really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where they’ll have a chance to learn from some of the agriculture industry’s leading lights, share their experiences and adopt these principles in the businesses they have a stake in.

"They will be exposed to some high profile challenging situations and we look forward to seeing the new group gain the range of new skills and build the contacts which will last throughout their careers - just as those in the first group are doing."