Selection phase (Growers + Landholders)

 

1) Grower applications close

Once applications close, we begin screening and selection.

 

2) Grower eligibility check

Applications are assessed against published eligibility criteria (using checkboxes wherever possible).

• Eligible → progresses

• Not eligible → we’ll let you know
   

3) Local priority (Growers)

Priority is given to growers who currently live in Buckinghamshire or within the three clusters (Thame Catchment, River Ray, Central Chilterns).
If there are fewer than 8 eligible local applicants (e.g., 6), all eligible locals progress and remaining places are filled from other eligible applicants in line with the lottery approach below.
 

4) Readiness requirement (Growers)

To be eligible, applicants must be new entrants and show minimum readiness to start growing (e.g., at least one growing season of hands-on experience or equivalent training).

 

5) Under-represented backgrounds (protected characteristics) and lotteries

Grow More Growers (GMG) is committed to expanding diversity in the horticulture sector and to giving those traditionally under-represented groups a chance to enter. For this reason, we will be running two lotteries, and in both lotteries reserved places are allocated to applicants from under-represented backgrounds. 

 

How we define “under-represented” in this pilot

You are considered under-represented if you possess any of the following characteristics:

• Age: 18 - 40

• Disability: self-reported

• Gender reassignment: identified gender different from sex assigned at birth

• Race: Racial and ethnic minorities

• Sex: non-male

• Sexuality: LGBTQ+

 

6) Lottery 1 — shortlist 8 growers (strict 50/50 split)

We shortlist 8 growers by lottery using a fixed equity split:

• 4 places selected at random from eligible applicants from under-represented backgrounds (as defined above)

• 4 places selected at random from eligible applicants who are not from under-represented backgrounds
   

If there are fewer eligible applicants in one category than places available, any unfilled places may be reallocated to the other category and recorded transparently.

Lottery process (transparency)

• Where: the lottery will be held on a live video call (ie. Zoom) and recorded.

• How: the method e.g., names drawn from a physical bag or an online random selection system.

 

7) Landholder applications — assessment and shortlisting

Landholder applications are screened against published eligibility criteria. A review panel may carry out site visits / land checks to confirm suitability.

 

8) If you “tag” a known grower/landholder

You may tag someone you know to express interest in partnering, but tagging does not give preference. If the tagged person is not selected, you can still proceed with a different match.

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9) If you are not shortlisted

Unsuccessful applicants will be informed. 

If you are not shortlisted, we will let you know and explain that selection was made by random lottery (not based on who you are). We will also offer (optional) to keep your contact details on our Suitable Participants Database for future opportunities, including sharing with Abunda and Landmatch England.

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Matching phase (Growers + Landholders)

 

10) Connection and information-gathering

Shortlisted growers and landholders take part in a short programme of activities (forms, optional interviews, profiles and a facilitated in-person connection day on the land) to build shared understanding and values.

 

11) “Fit” check (before ranking)

To reduce unsuitable matches, we ask:

• Would you be happy to proceed with any of the potential matches, or only some?
  This ensures no one is ever matched with someone they would not consider.

 

12) Ranking preferences (required 1–8)

After meeting, both sides must submit a complete ranking from 1–8:

• Growers rank landholders 1 to 8

• Landholders rank growers 1 to 8

Submitting a full 1–8 ranking is required to take part in the matching process.

We use these full rankings to build the fairest possible match list, aiming to satisfy as many 1st/2nd/3rd choices as possible.

 

13) What if multiple people want the same match? (tie-break)

If there’s competition for the same match, we resolve it in a consistent order:

1. Mutual preference first (pairs where both rank each other highly)

2. Best overall mutual ranking (strongest combined rankings)

3. Only acceptable options (no one is matched with someone they said they would not accept)

4. If still tied: a simple recorded lottery as the final tie-break
    

14) Proposed matches and confirmation

We will propose matches and ask both sides to confirm they’re happy to proceed.
No one is required to accept a match that isn’t right.

 

Allocation of the 4 pilot places (Basic Income support)

 

15) Lottery 2 — Basic Income (BI) allocation (4 places)

All 8 shortlisted growers then enter a second lottery to allocate 4 BI places:

• 2 BI places: under-represented backgrounds

• 2 BI places: not from under-represented backgrounds

These 4 BI-supported growers are the growers the pilot will aim to place into the 4 matched pairs.

 

16) Finalising the 4 matched pairs

We confirm the 4 pairs (grower + landholder) based on:

• ranked preferences and fit,

• willingness to proceed,

• practical viability of the site.
   

17) If a BI recipient can’t be matched

If a BI recipient cannot be matched with a willing landholder from the available pool, the pilot will aim to identify an alternative landholder match and/or alternative land. This process will run for up to three months from the relevant start date.

If a suitable match cannot be found by then, a different eligible grower will be selected by lottery to match with the landholder.

 

18) Rent parity & transparency

All landholders agree to the £250/acre/year cap. Any accommodation rental must be transparent.