MP MANUELA Perteghella is calling for a ‘Farm First’ scheme to train graduates for careers in farming, to prevent a “lost generation” in the sector.
The Liberal Democrat scheme would cost £60million per year, funding two-year training placements for 1,000 trainees. It says the scheme could be paid for through money-raising measures including a windfall tax on big banks and increasing the Digital Services Tax, paid by big tech companies.
Stratford MP Dr Perteghella said: “Only five per cent of farmers in the UK are under the age of 35, and 40 per cent of farmers are over 65. Farming is seen as an attractive proposition to young people, and application for college courses have increased in recent years, but there are too many barriers to work.
“Changes to subsidies, red tape, the need for capital rapid climate change and the incoming farm tax are all major barriers that young people think about when considering a career in farming.
“Yet we know in an increasingly unstable world that it is vital that we grow as much of our own food as we can. This is good for the environment, good for British workers and good for food security.
“The evidence is stark. The Government must take urgent action to encourage young people into farming. Our food security depends on farms.
“A Farm First graduate model would attract bright, ambitious and capable people into farming, thus providing modern training and high-quality experience to the next generation of farmers. I would welcome this initiative in Stratford-on-Avon where farming is key to our local economy.”
Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat’s environment spokesperson, said his party was calling for “a fundamental cultural shift in our attitude towards farming”.
He continued: “Our Farm First scheme would treat food security with the seriousness it deserves, finally giving young people the training and incentive they need to choose farming.
“By ignoring this impending crisis and rural brain drain, they are severing the lifeline of our domestic food supply.”
