Attracting the younger generation to agriculture

BARCLAYS has recently launched #FarmtheFuture, a nationwide campaign encouraging farmers to plan for their future and tell young people about the benefits of a career in agriculture, as new data reveals that Britain’s farming population is ageing rapidly.

The bank has teamed up with TV presenter and former JLS boyband star JB Gill, who has swapped pop stardom for a life of turkey and pig farming, to show the younger generation that farming could be their perfect career.

The number of under-25s running farms has dropped by twothirds (63%) over the past 10 years and the average age of the British farmer is 55.5, with 38% aged 65 or over.

Just 4% of Welsh 18 to 30-yearolds surveyed by Barclays said they would view farming and agriculture as a desirable career, despite the job meeting many of the criteria young people look for in employment.

Over three-quarters of Welsh millennials (78%) said staying physically fit and healthy while working was important to them and nearly half (40%) said they would like to work with animals.

A lack of understanding and a perceived lack of resources appear to be the key things putting young Welsh people off a career in farming. Over half (54%) believed they wouldn’t be able to afford to become a farmer, while 39% thought they needed to inherit land.

While many farm businesses traditionally pass down through families, farmers with no direct succession are now exploring alternative options, including share farming agreements.

These allow new entrants to farm in partnership with the farm owner with much less capital required than starting out alone, and their share of the business can grow over time through profit share.

JB Gill said: “There’s a lot of misconceptions among young people about what a career in agriculture really means.

“It’s hard, physical work so it keeps you fit, you get to work with animals, you’re your own boss and you can keep up with trends by posting everything on Instagram for everyone else to see.

“The farming community is really welcoming, providing newcomers with knowledge on everything from tending to animals to financial advice.

“You don’t need to have your own land to work in agriculture – there are many options from farm management through to the service industries and I would encourage anyone interested to give it some serious consideration – it’s a life like no other!”

■ Find out more at barclays. co.uk/farmthefuture