MP welcomes future of farming report

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed a government review into the opportunities and barriers faced by people starting careers in British farming.

The future of farming review group, brought together by Farming Minister David Heath in January, has set out what actions they think are needed to attract new talent to careers in agriculture.

The group has set out the cultural change needed to enable forward-thinking entrepreneurs to thrive in an industry which is modernising, innovative and embracing new technology. The review's recommendations include:

• Better promotion of the breadth of employment opportunities in farming;
• More advice for farmers on succession and retirement planning;
• Better provision of affordable housing in rural areas for farmers;
• Promoting farming as a highly skilled professional career; and
• The industry taking greater responsibility for training including business skills for new entrants.

Tim said: "This report is a welcome first step. It is now vital we follow it up quickly with action that farmers can see on the ground. Farming and agriculture need to be supported and by helping them to take on apprentices, we can support the next generation to look at farming as a real career. I think DEFRA can do much more to help young people get a well paid job and train at the same time - I will do all I can to push them to look at apprenticeship schemes for rural businesses."