Lib Dems unveil scheme to recruit next-gen farmers

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a radical overhaul of how the UK attracts, trains, and supports new farmers.

They warn that the country is on track for a “lost generation of farmers” unless immediate action is taken.

In a major food security plan launched on Thursday (4 December) at Outhgill Farm, near Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, the party’s agriculture spokesman Tim Farron unveiled proposals for a “Farm First” scheme.

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The scheme is a farming-sector equivalent of Teach First – designed to bring young talent into agriculture through dedicated training, incentives and early-career support.

The announcement comes amid growing alarm about the age profile of UK agriculture.

Official statistics show that only 5% of farmers are under 35, raising fears about long-term workforce shortages and the resilience of domestic production.

Food insecurity among consumers is also worsening.

The party highlights that one in five (18%) children and one in ten (11%) households are living in food poverty – a situation it argues cannot be solved without strengthening the farming workforce and improving food education.

Mr Farron said the figures should be a wake-up call for government.

“It is utterly shameful that one in five children are living in food poverty, and our farming communities are being pushed to the brink of extinction.

Cultural shift

“Liberal Democrats are calling for a fundamental cultural shift in our attitude towards farming,” Mr Farron added.

“Our ‘Farm First’ scheme would treat food security with the seriousness it deserves, finally giving young people the training and incentive they need to choose farming.”

The party’s plan argues that reconnecting young people with food production is vital.

It calls for improved nutrition and food education in schools, more opportunities to learn where food comes from, greater use of local produce, and expanded agricultural training routes.

Mr Farron warned that without decisive intervention, the UK government risked undermining the future of domestic food supply.

The Liberal Democrats say the UK government must now recognise farming as a national “lifeline” and make attracting young people into the sector an urgent priority.

Labour response

A Labour Party spokesman said the government was “committed to supporting the farming sector”.

The spokesman added: “We’re investing billions in the sector through supportive programmes and schemes and working closely with the Institute for Agriculture to promote careers in farming.

“The Lib Dems had the opportunity to help farmers while in government, but instead cut capital spending to Defra by a third and led the country into austerity.”