Drive to inspire young to choose farming career

Two major farming youth organisations have joined forces to promote opportunities available in the industry for young people.

Bright Crop, which inspires young talent to explore the wide choice of careers in farming and food supply, and the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) are teaming up to promote farming to schoolchildren.

Both organisations will showcase the range of jobs on offer in the sector to 75,000 children, aged between seven and 19, at The Big Bang Career Fair from 11-14 March at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

See also: Bright Crop showcases variety of farming careers

Only 4% of young people, who responded to a survey conducted on behalf of Bright Crop, said they were considering a career in food and farming.

It is believed that misconceptions around the range of roles in the industry are dissuading children from viewing agriculture as a career option worth pursuing.

Many think jobs in the industry are boring, repetitive and low-paid. However, some farm management roles pay in excess of £60,000/year.

However, an ageing workforce means the agricultural industry will require 60,000 new employees by 2020.

Lynsey Martin, chair of NFYFC’s agriculture and rural issues steering group, said: “The industry needs to go back to school to teach young people that agriculture is about technology and innovation.

“We need to show young people how many different roles there are in agriculture and promote the future of an industry that will be much more reliant on scientists and engineers.

“Members of Young Farmers’ Clubs do not all live and work on farms – but many of us have exciting and varied roles within the industry. We want to shout about this amazing sector and to encourage more talented people to join us in making it bigger and better.”

Bright Crop ambassador Andrew Brown, who will be attending The Big Bang Fair, said: “It is vital the food and farming sector promotes its industry and opportunities in schools.

“Not only are schoolchildren our customers of the future, but they are also the scientists, technicians and engineers who will drive the industry forward.”

He added: “Many children think farming and food production is all about getting cold, wet and dirty, but there are so many exciting and varied careers in the sector that they may not have even considered.

“This is where the Bright Crop ambassadors come in to explain how they can become involved in a forward-thinking, modern and high-tech industry which we all rely on every day of our lives.”