Young adults ‘have outdated view of career in farming’

More than three-quarters of young adults have an outdated view of farming as a career choice, according to research funded by Sainsbury’s.

Responses to the research, carried out for the retailer by pollsters YouGov, showed more than one-third of 16- to 24-year-olds matched the criteria for a modern-day career in farming.

Yet 80% thought farming did not make use of modern technology.

See also: Defra unveils strategy to attract new entrants

More than one in 10 believed farming did not make use of innovative technology such as apps, drones and up-to-date computer systems. And 12% thought the industry did not use digital technology.  

The survey canvassed 1,007 people in July and August 2015.

However, a Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said after providing more information on the industry, 39% of respondents said they would like to know more about careers in farming.

Sainsbury’s commissioned the work to coincide with the opening of its horticultural and agricultural apprenticeship programme on 4 September.

“The Sainsbury’s apprenticeship programme, run in partnership with Staffline, gives young people aged 16 and above the chance to work with some of the most progressive food suppliers,” the spokeswoman said.

Sainsbury’s horticultural manager Robert Honeysett added: “Our research reveals there is a significant gap between what young people think of farming, and some of the jobs that are available today.

“One-third of those surveyed [31%] assume they need a family connection to break into the sector, which isn’t the case. We hope our apprenticeship programme will help show there are a number of alternative routes into farming, and we would encourage school leavers and young professionals to consider it. It is one of the most dynamic industries in the UK to work in.”

Defra secretary Liz Truss also commented on the survey findings and apprenticeship scheme.

“Food and farming is vital to Britain’s future, already contributing £100bn a year to the economy. The people who give this industry its extraordinary energy are some of the most innovative in the world and we want more young people to see food and farming as an attractive career,” Ms Truss said.

“Over the next few years we will open up more opportunities for young people by trebling the number of apprenticeships across the sector. We hope to see more leading businesses, such as Sainsbury’s, providing our next generation of farmers with the skills, confidence and opportunities to grow our industry,” she said.

For more information on the scheme email: farm.apprenticeships@sainsburys.co.uk