A dozen candidates selected for RWAS Rural Leadership Programme

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) has announced the 12 successful candidates from across Wales for its prestigious 2025–26 Rural Leadership Programme.

This fully funded initiative offers participants a unique opportunity to develop their leadership skills, expand networks and contribute to the future of Welsh agriculture and rural communities.

The programme is supported by a generous legacy from the late Mr N. Griffiths and match funding from the Glamorgan County Advisory Committee.

The participants are:

Hafina Cordiner from Mold, a genetic services specialist with Genus ABS;

Elliw Dafydd, a Wales YFC Welsh language development officer from Llanilar;

Iolo Davies from Taliesin, near Aberystwyth, a research/field manager at Pwllpeiran Upland Research Centre, IBERS, Aberystwyth University;

Alaw Evans, a farmer and part-time FAWL farm assessor from Criccieth;

Caryl Hughes, a fifth-generation farmer from Llanarmon D.C., Llangollen;

Eleri James from Lledrod, near Aberystwyth, a food, nutrition and agriculture teacher at Ysgol Henry Richard, Tregaron;

Katie Jones from Llanwrtyd Wells, a team leader at Natural Resources Wales;

Erin McNaught, a sheep and beef farmer from Rhosygwaliau, Bala;

Corrina Parry from Llandudno Junction, a conference sales manager at Bangor University;

Anna Sunford-Davies from Llanon, a laboratory technical officer at Wales Veterinary Science Centre, Ceredigion;

Ffion Thomas, from Cwmann, Lampeter who works as a solicitor Agri Advisor Solicitors;

Emily Wellington, an associate solicitor specialising in agricultural law with JCP Solicitors in Penarth.

The RWAS Rural Leadership Programme aims to nurture the next generation of rural leaders in Wales.

Over the course of a year, participants will develop self-awareness and understanding of leadership styles, build connections with key industry figures,  enhance communication and media skills, visit important institutions in Cardiff and London, participate in specialised workshops and sessions and attend RWAS events, including the Royal Welsh Show.
 
The programme begins with a residential session in North Wales from June 10–13, followed by further sessions in Cardiff and London in October.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome this talented group of individuals to our Rural Leadership Programme,” said Aled Rhys Jones, RWAS chief executive. “Each participant brings unique perspectives and experiences to the cohort and we look forward to supporting their development as future leaders in Welsh agriculture and rural affairs.”
 
The successful candidates will be formally introduced at the Royal Welsh Show awards ceremony on Monday, July 21.