Free training on offer for would-be new entrants to farming
© Tim Scrivener A new initiative from the Prince’s Countryside Fund and retailer Aldi UK is seeking to provide young people and aspiring new entrants to farming with some of the basic skills, confidence and networks they need to start a career in agriculture.
The initiative, called “Opening the Gate”, will involve a series of virtual workshops providing access to industry experts, such as university admissions officers, graduate recruiters and farm managers.
See also: 7 tips for new entrants from a first-time poultry tenant
They will also offer the opportunity to hear from other young people who’ve overcome obstacles to start a career in farming and run viable enterprises.
The sessions will be accompanied by a bank of online resources, with case studies, short career advice videos, and experts’ top tips.
Research findings
The initiative coincides with the publication of research findings based on two roundtable sessions held last spring (see panel “What is holding new entrants back?”).
This showed that access to land and access to capital are particular challenges.
“But the process also revealed that knowledge exchange and development opportunities were sparse – for example, over half of respondents wanted to access support, but were unaware how or where to do so,” said a statement.
The first online workshop, which is free and aimed at college and school-leavers, will look at work experience, employment opportunities and networking.
Liz Fox, corporate responsibility director at Aldi UK, said: “Our partnership with The Prince’s Countryside Fund is designed to encourage more people into farming who may not have grown up with a farming background or in farming communities.
“We are immensely proud of the Opening the Gate programme, which will give more young people the opportunity to learn and develop their careers in the agricultural industry, whilst also offering the information and support they may need to overcome any barriers.”
Interested individuals can now sign up for Opening the Gate, with the first session to be held at 7pm on 21 November 2022 via Zoom.
What is holding new entrants back?
Access to land The report notes that there are 641 fewer county council smallholdings compared with 2010, making it more difficult for outsiders to get into farming. The short duration of many private tenancies also means it is not worth relocating to a different area. Many young farmers complain that their holdings are made up of scattered parcels of land with multiple landlords.
Access to capital New entrants say it is incredibly hard to secure a loan, not least because the banks do not recognise livestock as an asset to lend against. High interest rates – around 8% – are another barrier, while access to Defra grants, such as the Countryside Productivity Small Grants scheme, is only available to those who already have Basic Payment Scheme entitlements.
Access to advice The workshops show that those from a farming background have a huge advantage in terms of contacts and networks. Outsiders do not know who to approach and how to get advice and financial support.
Negative public perception Poor publicity about farming on social media and in the press is seen by some as a deterrent to attracting new entrants.