Introduction to Agriculture

Applications open 1 September to 31 October 2026

Build a stronger understanding of agriculture across your organisation

We are opening applications for a limited number of organisations to join our Introduction to Agriculture commercial training programme for 2026/27.

Designed for businesses and organisations whose teams work with, advise, support or make decisions affecting farmers and the agricultural sector, the programme can be tailored around your people, your business and the knowledge they need.

Whether you work in food, retail, insurance, finance, professional services, sustainability, policy or the wider rural economy, we can create a programme that helps your teams better understand the realities of modern agriculture.

Training designed around your organisation

No two organisations need exactly the same thing.

Some teams may need a broad introduction to UK agriculture. Others may need a stronger understanding of farming businesses, supply chains, sustainability, agricultural policy or working effectively with farmers and land managers.

We work with you to understand what your teams need to know and build the programme around those requirements.

Training can be delivered:

In person at the GWCT Allerton Project
Online
Through a blended programme combining both

Where possible, we recommend a blended approach.

Online learning can build knowledge and understanding, while practical training at The GWCT Allerton Project allows participants to see how that knowledge translates onto a working farm.

“The course we attended was invaluable for a wider understanding. The venue and trainers were fantastic, I hope they do more courses in the future” DEFRA Delegate April 26

More than a one-off training day

Our aim is to create a structured training programme that works across your organisation.

Depending on your requirements, this can include:

tailored learning modules
practical training at Allerton
online sessions and webinars
access to a dedicated training portal
participant onboarding
learning resources
programme coordination
feedback and reporting
a dedicated account manager
support with future training requirements

For larger organisations, we can also explore annual cohorts, graduate programmes, new-starter training or different learning pathways for different teams.

Trusted by leading organisations

The Allerton Project has worked with major businesses and organisations to help their teams better understand agriculture, farming, food production and sustainability.

Our experience includes work with organisations such as M&S, Nestlé and Kellogg’s, alongside businesses, researchers, policymakers and others working across the agricultural sector.

Most recently, Allerton was awarded a four-year contract to deliver DEFRA’s Baseline Agricultural Training programme.

The programme combines structured learning with practical farm-based training and digital learning, helping staff build a stronger understanding of modern British agriculture and the realities facing farmers and land managers.

We are now bringing that experience together into a dedicated commercial training programme for a limited number of organisations.

Why The GWCT Allerton Project ?

The GWCT Allerton Project is a working farm, research centre and demonstration site.

That means participants are not learning about agriculture in isolation.

They can see how farming, environmental research, food production, wildlife, soils, water, policy and commercial decision-making all come together in practice.

This combination of farming, science, research and demonstration allows us to offer something very different from conventional classroom-based training.