A new strategy to promote the development and image of agricultural and horticultural industries will be launched at a London summit next month.
It responds to calls for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) to lead a more coordinated approach to skills development and professionalism in the industry.
The scheme will be run by the AHDB with support from the cross-industry AgriSkills Forum. It follows recommendations made in the Agri-Tech Strategy, the Future of Farming Review and by the Farming Regulation Taskforce, for an industry-wide approach to development.
AHDB chief executive Tom Taylor said the industry is fully behind the new skills strategy. “All progressive farming businesses realise that skills and knowledge hold the key to innovation. Workforce skill and professionalism is where the battle for improved efficiency and profitability will be won,” he said.
Richard Longthorp, pig and arable farmer and chairman of the Agri-Skills Forum management group, said: “We have to work together as a united industry if we are to secure the advanced skills and industry wide professionalism that are needed to attract bright new entrants demanding an exciting and fulfilling career.”
The strategy will be launched to senior agricultural representatives at the summit, held at the Charing Cross Hotel, London, on Wednesday 6 November.
Leading industry bodies at the event will outline their own respective roles while endorsing the strategy’s call for greater partnerships.
Speakers include vice president of the NFU Adam Quinney who will talk about the importance of professionalism, and Chris Moody, chief executive of Landex on the role of land-based colleges in delivering a professional industry.
The keynote speech will be given by government under secretary of state Lord de Mauley on the government’s perspective on professional development.
The scheme will be split into five areas: recognition of existing skills and skills development activities, promotion of skills development as central to business improvement, promotion of the industry as an attractive place to work, leading the industry in training agendas to meet challenges of the future and engaging with DEFRA and other government departments.
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