The NFU’s PIP (Poultry Industry Programme) is a unique opportunity for young poultry industry professionals to gain market and supply chain insight, build valuable connections, and build new skills.
Run in conjunction with feed company ForFarmers, it comprises a bespoke programme of one- and two-day visits and events designed to upskill the next generation of poultry industry leaders.
Why apply?
The PIP (Poultry Industry Programme) aims to equip young people in the poultry industry with new skills and knowledge which they can use to help benefit their own businesses and better advocate for the sector.
Running since 2012, and now into its seventh edition, the PIP has already offered more than 80 young people the chance to further their development within the sector.
“I would urge anyone to apply for the PIP – I’ve never looked back! As a first-time poultry farmer, taking my family farm in a new direction, it opened my eyes to the wider industry and gave me some amazing networking opportunities to learn from others in the sector and to make contacts with like-minded people.”
Ryan Dakin, free range egg producer and NFU Poultry Board Member
Many PIP alumni have gone on to become influential leaders across the poultry industry; several now sit on the NFU national Poultry Board, including Board Chair Will Raw.
Key benefits include:
- Meeting other young people in the sector and sharing experiences and best practice.
- Gaining market insight into the different aspects of British poultry meat and egg production.
- Seeing behind the scenes at the NFU and how it works with members to lobby effectively on behalf of industry.
- Developing new professional skills applicable to your career.
100% of participants surveyed from the most recent programme said they would recommend the programme and found the content useful.
What's on the programme?
| Programme event | Dates |
|
Opening event – NFU HQ
|
4-5 November 2026 |
|
Westminster/KFC – London
|
December 2026 |
|
Leadership training – NFU HQ |
January 2027 |
|
Retailer visit and Farmers For Schools – Manchester
|
March 2027 |
|
Negotiations training – NFU HQ |
April 2027 |
|
European visit – Brussels
|
June 2027 |
|
Broiler supply chain tour – Oxfordshire |
July 2027 |
|
ForFarmers/egg supply chain tour – Yorkshire
|
August 2027 |
|
Seasonal poultry supply chain tour – East Anglia
|
September 2027 |
Alumni event tbc
|
NFU Conference 2028 – ICC, Birmingham |
February 2028 |
Event details may be subject to change. Dates will be communicated with successful applicants.
Who can apply?
The programme is aimed at 20- to 40-year-olds who are active in the poultry sector in England or Wales. Applicants must be a member of (or employed by a member of) the NFU or NFU Cymru.
How to apply
Applications close on Friday 4 September, so if you're looking to broaden your industry knowledge, develop leadership skills and build lasting connections across the poultry sector, apply today.
Complete the application form by uploading your CV and a short covering letter. You will also need to submit your (or your employer’s) NFU membership number. You will find this in your membership area – My membership.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in September.
Diversity and inclusion
We believe the more diversity within agriculture, the more innovative and sustainable the future of farming will be. In line with our value of inclusivity, the NFU Poultry Industry Programme has always welcomed applicants from different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives.
We especially welcome applications from people who feel their community has, so far, been underrepresented in the agriculture industry, be that in relation to (but not limited to) race, colour, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression.
‘I’ve never looked back.’
Free range egg producer Ryan Dakin is a former PIP participant and currently sits on the NFU Poultry Board. Sharing his experience of the programme, Ryan said: “I would urge anyone to apply for the PIP – I’ve never looked back! As a first-time poultry farmer, taking my family farm in a new direction, it opened my eyes to the wider industry and gave me some amazing networking opportunities to learn from others in the sector and to make contacts with like-minded people.
“From eggs to broilers, Christmas turkeys to supermarket shelves, we saw it all!
“A highlight for me had to be visiting London and the Houses of Parliament to see the impact of lobbying. Through this, I have gained a deeper insight into the valued work of the NFU and am now able to proudly give back and represent producers on the national poultry board.”
Arden Wood Shavings Business Development Manager Stephanie Kerr, who completed the Poultry Industry Programme in 24/25, echoed Ryan's enthusiasm for the variety of experiences the programme provided.
“Getting out and meeting new people, experiencing new ways of doing things and seeing how other businesses work is invaluable,” she said.
“I learnt so much in my time on the programme. I met people and saw supply chains I would never normally get to experience in my day-to-day job.
“I would encourage anyone with a desire to expand their knowledge of the industry and their network to apply for the programme.”
