Skills Training Targets Agriculture

A specialised organisation for developing the necessary modern attributes and skills for the various sectors including agriculture has revealed how it is working to benefit land-based and environmental industries.

The Lantra Sector Skills Council is progressing in various ways, including the development of the sector's image with the aim of recruiting and retaining more skilled people.

Commenting, the Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for NI, Dr Mike Johnston said: "There is a need to attract people to the sector, and to help them realise and develop their vision.

"Over the years I have watched farming change, and hold the view that farming has a good future in Northern Ireland, although many changes are still needed.

"I see young people now emerging as industry leaders, and believe there is a need to encourage this direction in order to create a vibrant primary production sector," he said.

However, farmers and land managers already have a great breadth of knowledge and expertise, but modern technology and machinery introduces the need for people to be further trained.

As well as good technical farming skills in these changing times, farmers also require business and environmental skills in order to succeed.

John Carson, Chairman of the National Beef Association stated: "The farmer of the future will need to be better skilled and they will need to be more focused in order to make their business profitable."

His comments reflect the importance of agricultural businesses in Northern Ireland, which are estimated to comprise around 90% of environmental and land-based sector businesses, employing approximately 80% of the workforce.

Farming is a constantly changing industry with some challenges to overcome if it is to attract the right type of people. In particular it needs to counteract the negative public perceptions of the industry, create opportunities for young people to experience life on a farm, and continue to offer lifestyle benefits regardless of farm scale. It is one of the most complicated, yet one of the simplest industries in which to seek a career.

"Being a farmer in Northern Ireland is very fulfilling, from planting to harvesting there is a sense of achievement. Watching my farm grow over the years has ensured that I can look to the future with confidence," said Mr Carson.

Lantra is an employer-led organisation, which is licensed by the UK government to drive forward the skills, training and business development agenda for the 17 industries in the sector.

The industries represented are: agricultural crops; agricultural livestock; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; horticulture, landscape and sports turf; land-based engineering; production horticulture; trees and timber; and veterinary nursing.

(BMcC/JM)