The Worshipful Company of Farmers is a City of London Livery Company. The Company's principal purpose is to provide inspiring leadership and management training for anyone engaged in agriculture or other land-based industries.
Our courses are renowned throughout the industry: the Challenge of Rural Leadership started in 1996, now in its 30th edition, whilst the Rural Business Management programme, having been known previously as the ‘Advanced Course in Agricultural Business Management’, now in its 75th edition, commenced in 1963.
This new Strategic Leadership Programme (SLP) for 2027 is a new, bespoke course for an exclusive cohort of sixteen senior leaders in agriculture and the rural economy. Running from February to November 2027, it comprises four residential blocks - a leadership academy at Tidworth Garrison, Wiltshire, an international block in Denmark and the Netherlands, and a City module in London - followed by a two-day regroup six months later at the delegate's own business. We connect the programme with online sessions that open, bridge, and conclude it, and we provide post-course coaching to help delegates apply their learning in their roles.
Who it's for
The SLP is designed for people who have already completed a leadership development programme such as the Farmers' Company existing education portfolio, ALDP, Windsor Leadership or a similar course, and are ready for the next stage. This includes board-level leaders, those progressing towards directorships or advisory roles, and experienced professionals seeking a fresh challenge or an opportunity to give back to the industry.
What makes it different
Two things set it apart:
First, its design. Rather than following a fixed curriculum, SLP is finalised only after every candidate has been interviewed. This ensures the programme reflects the people in the room: their strategic challenges, leadership habits and readiness for AI-driven change. It is delivered in phases - pre-course preparation, residential blocks, post-course coaching and a November re-group at the delegate's business - so development continues well beyond the final residential.
Second, its position. Benchmarking against comparable senior programmes shows that none serve people at this career stage in the agri-rural sector. SLP draws on the Worshipful Company of Farmers' respected education programmes and alumni network, offering access and credibility few providers can match. Its core differentiator is the calibre and chemistry of a carefully selected, motivated cohort.
What delegates get
Delegates gain sharper strategic and board-level capability; a strong peer network of senior leaders across agriculture and rural business; exposure to international and City perspectives; continued coaching after the modules, and a re-group six months on to test what has actually changed; and the backing of the Worshipful Company of Farmers' name and network, built on ‘fellowship and leadership to deliver excellence in agriculture and rural businesses’.
Please keep in mind that this application process is for the 2027 Strategic Leadership Programme and will close at 18:00 on 20th October 2026.
It is common for delegates to describe their experience on their course as ‘career and life-changing’, with many going on to occupy some of the most senior positions in the sector and attributing at least part of their success to their course.
Please follow this link to log in with your existing user account or register a new account for a new application. Please note that this portal auto-saves your information, but do not leave the portal open without activity for long periods. If you have any immediate questions or require support, please contact Duncan Couper, the Assistant Clerk, via duncan@farmerslivery.org.uk.