Calls to raise priority of skills and training by government

THE National Farmers Union of England and Wales has called on the next UK government to throw its weight behind training for farmers and growers, after a national skills audit ranked agriculture and horticulture 25th out of 27 for its future economic significance but third on the list for its skills deficit.

The union said the National Strategic Skills Audit risked turning off new entrants to agriculture when they were needed most and added this could result in decreased spending for training.

NFU deputy president Meurig Raymond said the government's own Food 2030 vision highlighted the need to increase investment and the impact of education, training and research for food and farming.

"We were pleased by Defra's support for the launch of the AgriSkills Strategy in February, but I am very disappointed that the government's 'New Industries New Jobs' framework has given agriculture and horticulture such low priority," said Raymond.

"This is particularly strange given the major strategic role that farmers and growers have and will play in securing the nation's food security, and in feeding a growing global population, while at the same time using less natural resource, and reducing agriculture's impact on the environment.

"The report also demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the importance of the food supply chain in the UK. We shouldn't forget that it employs some 3.6 million people and incorporates the country's largest manufacturing sector, contributing 155 billion to our GDP. Great skill and dedication form the backbone of our industry and these need to be recognised and invested in."