NFU introductions
NFU introductions
THE NFU could be asked to act as an introduction agency between farmers who want to retire, but have no successor and people who want to get into the industry.
The report highlighted the importance of encouraging new people, setting it against a backdrop of an ageing farmer population and a fall in admission to agricultural colleges.
It says there is a need to encourage new entrants by convincing them it is an industry worth being in. School leavers should be offered positive promotional material that encourages them to go into land-based occupations.
Entry methods such as share-farming or contract farming should also be encouraged.
George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association, said it was disappointing there was no retirement scheme.
The report rejected the idea because it said it would not offer value for money and instead asked that DEFRA should work up a support pack offering advice to farmers who are considering retiring.
"The TFA would remind the government that the introduction of a retirement scheme is a manifesto commitment," said Mr Dunn. *