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Farming has a lot to offer potential new entrants, but lack of skills or knowledge can feel daunting to those thinking of an agricultural career. But ensuring the industry continues to attract talent is key.

The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) is passionate about endorsing agricultural careers through supporting rural skills and learning.

Its aim is to allow the industry to thrive by helping businesses and people fulfil their potential.

Workforce

TIAH board member Richard Longthorp, who is a lifelong supporter of skills and careers development, is urging agricultural and horticultural businesses to consider taking on apprentices to help develop the next generation of skilled workers.

He says: Put simply, accessibility to the workforce we have had in the past is not going to be there in the future, so we need to look beyond the traditional routes of attracting staff, like advertising in farming publications, and collectively take on more responsibility for developing and nurturing new talent.

Having apprentices start their career on your farm allows you to shape your workforce to suit your business needs. It can free up existing employees time to develop other areas of the business and it is an extremely valuable opportunity to showcase the best of what the industry has to offer.