MP calls for action plan, as census shows only 1 in 100 people now in farming

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has said official statistics show the need for an action plan to help young people in the agricultural industry.

A report from the Office for National Statistics analysing censuses from 1841 to 2011 found that the proportion of workers who are in agriculture and fishing in England and Wales fell to 0.9% - or 200,000 people - in 2011.

In 1841 over one in five workers were in agriculture and fishing; since then, the industry has declined as better transport allowed for more importing of goods, and machines have taken the place of farmhands.

Tim has called on the government to support additional rural and agricultural apprenticeship schemes. He has also called for an action plan to support young people in farming.

Commenting Tim said: "Farming is vital to our economy - a country that cannot feed itself is a country at great risk. We must ensure that more young people go into farming, by providing effective ways in to the profession through expanded apprenticeship schemes and the like. Farming must become an attractive and realistic career option for many more young people than it is at present."