Farron welcomes future farming drive

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed a new Government drive to encourage more fresh talent and young people to enter into the agricultural industry.

The Future of Farming Group was unveiled by Farming Minister Jim Paice this morning and will look at how to break down barriers currently preventing more talented, entrepreneurial young people from making careers in farming.

Fewer young people are going into agriculture, while other related industries such as manufacturing are struggling to fill high-skilled posts in engineering and science.

The Future of Farming Group will be chaired by David Fursdon, current chair of the South West Rural and Farming Network and former President of the Country Land and Business Association.

Commenting Tim said: "This is an absolutely vital new initiative from the Government and is incredibly timely. With population levels and demand for food set to increase dramatically over the next 50 years, now it the time to ensure we are investing in the farming industry to ensure we can feed ourselves for the future.

"The Future Farming Group will hopefully attract a host of fresh blood to the farming industry and show young people that farming is an important and incredibly skilled industry that has an essential role to play in helping to rebuild out economy."