Connect young people to farming opportunities to plug skills gap

Farmers across the country are doing an excellent job of putting food on the nation’s tables. Their efforts are all the more remarkable against the backdrop of challenges that they now face. Whether it is extreme weather, political uncertainty or the economic storm clouds, they have all turned up the pressure on British agriculture.

The Government has announced £65m in funding for farmers across England to help manage the impact of prolonged dry weather is to be welcomed.

An extra £50m will be put into the Sustainable Farming Incentive this year, taking the total budget to £290m. While up to £15m is being made available for on-farm reservoirs.

The Government has also pledged to allow for more flexibility in environmental schemes.

All of this is a welcome step in the right direction but this should only be the start, if Britain is to get to grips with the challenge of food security.

A new survey from dairy cooperative Arla found that 8 in 10 farmers are struggling to find staff with the skills they require. It underlines the importance of investing in education, skills and career pathways to protect the nation's food supply.

When Britain is facing the prospect of a “lost generation” due to the rising number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs), according to former health secretary Alan Milburn, there needs to be a drive from the Government to connect young people with opportunities in agriculture.

Farming is evolving and it can be just as exciting an industry as any other for young people looking to make their way in the world.