Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The Liberal Democrats have proposed a new initiative called the ‘Farm First’ scheme aimed at training graduates for careers in agriculture. They fear the farming sector is facing a “lost generation” due to a decline in young people entering the industry. This program would be modeled on the Teach First charity, which trains and places graduates in schools, but would instead focus on farming placements. According to the party, the scheme would require an annual budget of £60 million to support two-year training positions for approximately 1,000 trainees. Funding for the initiative could come from measures such as a windfall tax on large banks and an increase in the Digital Services Tax applied to major tech companies.
In response, a Labour spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, mentioning significant investments and collaborative efforts with the Institute for Agriculture to encourage farming careers. The statement also criticized the Liberal Democrats for their past actions while in government, pointing out that they had cut capital spending to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by one-third and steered the country into austerity.
Tim Farron, representing the Liberal Democrats on environmental issues, stressed the need for a “fundamental cultural shift” in how farming is perceived. He argued that the ‘Farm First’ scheme would address food security with the seriousness it demands by providing young people with the proper training and motivation to pursue careers in farming. Farron warned that ignoring the looming crisis and the ongoing rural brain drain risks damaging the nation’s domestic food supply.
Government statistics indicate an aging agricultural workforce, with only 5% of UK farmers under 35 and 40% over 65. Furthermore, 15% of farmers are under the age of 45. This demographic imbalance highlights the urgency for initiatives to attract younger individuals to farming. The Royal Agricultural University reported an 11% rise in applications to its farming course, attributing this to the so-called “Clarkson effect,” inspired by Jeremy Clarkson’s Amazon Prime series that documents his experiences running a farm. Will Marsh, the university’s director of external relations, praised the show for highlighting the rewarding and complex nature of farming careers. Additionally, the Liberal Democrats advocate for greater education on nutrition and food production in schools, seeing this as essential for improving future food security and addressing poverty.
Concerns have also been raised regarding proposed inheritance tax reforms affecting agricultural assets valued over £1 million. A senior executive at Marks & Spencer warned that these changes could discourage young people from working on family farms, emphasizing the need for security to maintain a viable farming structure. Some Labour MPs have expressed doubts about the tax adjustments, with around 30 believed to have abstained during an initial vote, and Markus Campbell-Savours being suspended after opposing the plan. The government defends the reform as a necessary and fair contribution to funding public services
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.