FARMING minister George Eustice will be addressing young farmers at a networking conference in Cumbria this autumn.

The Fertile Minds event will bring together 150 ambitious young farmers in the early stages of their careers for a day of business advice, practical workshops and motivational speakers.

It is a free one-day event for young people aged 18 to 25 who seek success in agriculture and will take place at the Rheged Centre in Penrith on November 27.

Owned by the Dunning family, who are hill farmers near Tebay, the venue is the largest underground grass-covered attraction in Britain.

Mr Eustice will push home the importance of agriculture to the British economy and countryside – and the need for a talented, energetic and skilful next generation of farmers to deliver on the opportunities.

It is hoped the event will inspire young farming talent to be at the forefront of British agriculture as well as offering a chance to forge new business alliances.

Organisers, Tesco and The Farmer’s Weekly, have also lined up a special guest who they say is one of the UK’s most exciting, inspiring and creative business coaches.

Four business-savvy young farmers, who have proved it is possible to build successful farming enterprises and careers, will also be speaking, along with a hill farming father and daughter duo, who will share their story of farming, diversification, brand building and succession management.

As well as hearing from established brands and businesses, Fertile Minds will provide an opportunity for young farming entrepreneurs to network with their peers.

Attendees will also be encouraged to share new ideas, discuss problems, find solutions and possibly even sow the seeds of future collaborations in agricultural business.

For more information about the event visit www.fwi.co.uk/fertileminds.