Chingford Fruit is taking part inSainsbury'snewgraduate recruitment scheme in a bid to attract more young talent into the UK's fresh produce industry.
The Kent-based fruit supplier was selected by the big-four retailer to join a selection of its leading fresh produce suppliers in offering graduates an intensive two-year programme of training.
The newSainsbury'srecruitment project is aligned with the government's£160millionagri-techstrategy and will offer a two-year programme to graduates providing them with a 'practical and diverse understanding of fresh produce, farming and agriculture.'
David Alder, technical director ofChingfordFruit, is hopeful that the collaboration withSainsbury'swill attract more young people into horticulture.
“We're really excited to be involved in this unique scheme and are proud to be able to support and invest in the future generation of our industry.
“To take our skills and expertise and play a part in developing individuals skills, seeing them succeed and progress within the industry, will be a highly rewarding achievement.”
The recruitment project will start in September and each graduate will undertake four six-month placements with trustedSainsbury’ssuppliers across the agriculture and horticulture industries.ChingfordFruit says that graduates will assist its technical and quality teams, as well as learn about product safety and the legal side of a fresh produce business.
JudithBatchelar, director ofSainsbury’sbrand, says that agriculture has been waiting for its own dedicated graduate scheme and that the retailer hopes to help inject more youth into farming.
She said: “I'm extremely proud to launch a graduate scheme that's dedicated to British agriculture.
“With the average age of a farmer being over 50, it's important to attract and train young talent to drive technical development in a sustainable way and build onSainsbury'sheritage in food technology and product development.
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