Farmers' Company announces postponement of 2020 ACABM and 2021 CRL
Posted on Fri, May 15, 2020 3:57 PM
On Friday May 15th 2020, the Worshipful Company of Farmers (WCF), in conjunction with its partners the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) and Duchy College, 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 to postpone."
Applications already received will be carried forward to the new dates, and the WCF has urged potential applicants not to put off an application for one of the limited number of remaining places, despite the postponement.
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 very high-quality, cohort of delegates for the 70th ACABM and 25th CRL over the coming months. Our re-scheduled courses will help them to identify and overcome the challenges they will undoubtedly face in the future."