Damning poll shows need to find future farmers through training and support

The UK’s leading awarding organisation, providing training and qualifications for the land-based sector, has said it is vital to encourage future generations into farming following the publication of a damning new study.

Lantra has today urged budding farmers to train on one of its many courses and in turn help boost the agricultural industry which is seeing an increasing number of farmers considering the prospect of quitting the sector.

A new study, produced by NFU Mutual, found that more than a quarter (28 per cent) of UK farmers were either thinking of leaving the industry or were contemplating scaling back their operations. The result showed an increase of eight per cent on last year’s poll results.

The annual Voice of the Farmer Poll also showed the average age of farmers continues to rise with 57 per cent of farmers questioned, (1,654), being aged over 65. Just five percent were under 45.

Commenting on the poll’s findings, Stephanie Harold, Head of Product Development for Lantra, said: “The poll’s findings provide yet more stark evidence that a concerted effort is needed to attract future farmers into the industry through promotion and giving people the training and tools they need to pursue a career in farming.

“Lantra is in an excellent position to help reinvigorate farming through our training opportunities which support people’s continual career and professional development to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving and technical sector.

“We are here to ensure that employers and employees have the skills, knowledge and back-up to work and thrive in farming as it changes with the advent of new science, technology, innovation, enterprise and legislation.

“Our nationally recognised courses are developed by industry experts. We also offer career pathways where people can train to become Lantra Instructors and Assessors.

“We specialise in a wide range of sectors including agriculture, machinery and horticulture, so we truly are a one-stop shop for people’s training needs.”