Policy makers 'must take the job seriously'

We need to encourage policy makers including Defra and the Department for Education to take farming seriously and to work together if we are going to tackle the labour problem in the sector.

04 January 2024 • 2 min read

That was the message from Lantra chair of trustees, Dr David Llewellyn who warned labour shortages were reducing the amount of food produced by farmers, with consequences of food security, as well as putting pressure on health and wellbeing of the existing farm workforce.

Apprenticeships

He believed greater use of apprenticeships was one way from the industry to recruit and train much needed new entrants into agriculture.

Mr Llewellyn said: "We have to look at new entrants in the system and continue the professional development of those within it. We all know technology is changing rapidly and we have to do something to ensure our existing workforce is trained and developed to embrace apprenticeships."

Lantra has commissioned its own research to identify barriers that were limiting engagement with apprenticeships.

Lantra's director of external relations, Corrina Urquhart said whilst there is high appetite among farm businesses to take on apprentices, what the research does show is that the process needs de-risking, both for the new entrant and for the farmer taking on the apprentice.

"We are seeing more entrants coming from non-agricultural background, that is a risk for the farmer. For the new entrant it is quite risky for them to go for a farm that hasn't ever employed an apprentice before."

New entrants

Ms Urquhart added: "Farmers already have so many risks. If Lantra and industry partners can de-risk the process then it would be a good thing then it would allow apprentices and new entrants to come through."

The research found from those who employed an apprentice, 23 per cent said the apprentice left within six months.

"When we look into the focus groups on why that is. It is because apprentices are able to get a better paid job on farm, which shows there is competition within farming businesses, but also 20 per cent left the industry completely which is something to learn from and reflect on for the future."

The research also highlighted a lack of HR skills and the inability to get spare time to look into apprenticeships.

She added: "We also explored the seasonality of farm work. There might not be enough work to keep the individuals occupied so farmers should explore apprentice sharing."