NextGen Event Launches at Ipswich Docks

Last month saw the launch of the reformed NextGen meetings - an initiative that had gone quiet over the Covid months. The new and fresh group of roughly 30 young people came together with the aim of providing support and development for the next generation of decision makers across the Fram Farmers membership. A brilliant range of farmer engagement combined with kind sponsorship from Bayer and Fram’s NextGen council provide an exciting future for the group. 

The first event of 2021 took place in July with a tour of Clarkson’s Port Services in Ipswich. Clarkson’s operate over a range of strategically located ports across the UK and Egypt; the port at Ipswich is one of the UK’s busiest facilities for vessels up to 15,000 tonnes. They handle both imported and exported cereals, oilseeds, and pulses – as well as offering weighing and sampling services, loading and collection of imported goods, commodity cleaning and bagging facilities.  

The group was hosted by Julian Scott, Director of Clarkson’s, who provided a great insight to what goes on once grain leaves the farm. This was followed up with a catered river cruise along the Orwell out to Felixstowe. On a calm evening in early July, there was at least one positive to come from the late start to harvest this year. The river trip was a great way to end the evening and gave the newly formed group a great chance to get to know each other.  

Government restrictions allowing, there will be 3 to 4 NextGen events a year ranging from farm walks, and industry talks, to and tours and evenings exclusive to the group. Planning for our upcoming event has been just as exciting, as we look to take our group out to the coast again with a walk around the successfully diversified Friday Street Farm Shop, and we’ll round the evening off with a tour of Fisher’s Gin distillery in Aldeburgh.

 If this is of interest to you please speak to Jono or Hollie in the office, or drop us an email on [email protected].