Businesses are more productive when they use apprentices according to 81 per cent of people.

To mark Apprenticeship Week, the industry-led AgriSkills Forum has added its weight to promote skills and careers for young people in farming.

Activities across England and Wales are helping to promote the week and the NFU is asking farming businesses to get behind it by completing a new survey about apprenticeships in farming.

NFU deputy president, and chairman of the AgriSkills Forum, Meurig Raymond said: “The coalition government is clearly keen to put apprenticeships at the heart of its skills strategy. It is increasing the number of apprenticeships available backed by an increased investment of £250 million.

“This is great news and while apprenticeships are only one of a range of entry opportunities into farming we recognise their importance in attracting and encouraging young people into a successful career in agriculture.

“British farmers and growers provide the building blocks to the UK’s food and drink industry which adds £23 billion to the national economy. And we have a well-documented set of challenges ahead; not least feeding nine billion mouths by 2050 while using less water and natural resource. Attracting dynamic young people into the industry is essential if we are to have a thriving food and farming sector in the future.”

The NFU will use its survey as part of its work within AgriSkills to find out more about the awareness of apprenticeship schemes within agriculture and horticulture, and the possible barriers to uptake. The results will inform discussions with Defra, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and Lantra.

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