As celebrations for Younger Farmers Week (9-13 October) get beneath approach, the NFYFC has launched its Sustainable Futures report, sharing insights into how the subsequent technology of farmers can overcome obstacles throughout the business.
The report, which was supported by Defra and worldwide farming group Tama, was launched in response to an NFYFC survey carried out earlier this yr.
See additionally: Psychological well being survey reveals elements affecting younger farmers
It confirmed that 70% of respondents felt it will be tough or unimaginable for brand spanking new entrants to get into farming, with subjects comparable to entry to land and related abilities rating as vital considerations.
The brand new report offers counter arguments to the survey outcomes, with constructive examples of how younger farmers can progress their careers.
Insights embody these from George Dunn, chief government of the Tenant Farmers’ Affiliation (TFA), and Cameron Hughes, land use coverage advisor on the Nation Land and Enterprise Affiliation (CLA), in addition to items from Oxbury Financial institution, Harper Adams College, the Nationwide Sheep Affiliation, and the NFU.
Responding to the problem of entry to land, Mr Hughes mentioned: “We all know that entry to land is without doubt one of the foremost obstacles dealing with younger farmers.
“For younger farmers trying to tackle a tenancy, an understanding of how the administration of the holding goes to assist the owner obtain their environmental and local weather aims is prone to be important.
“From a advertising and marketing or story-telling perspective, farmers must be exploring methods to not solely spotlight the dietary worth of the meals produced, but additionally how their administration of the farmland used to supply the meals has created extra advantages for society,” he mentioned.
Abilities and coaching considerations
The report additionally responds to considerations round abilities and coaching, particularly with regard to soil well being and environmental administration.
Corrina Urquhart, director of exterior relations at Lantra, writes within the report: “There are a variety of farmers who’re lowering fastened prices and future-proofing their farm companies by bettering soil well being, from which a wider community can profit.
“Whereas the demand for on-line coaching elevated throughout covid, this follow-on analysis exhibits there’s nonetheless a spot for studying about sensible subjects – out within the discipline, in a bunch setting.
“This priceless perception from NFYFC members will inform Lantra’s future coaching, together with constructive administration of the soil beneath our toes.”
To learn the complete report on how younger farmers can overcome the business’s challenges, the Sustainable Futures doc is on the market to obtain.
