A new food security plan, which aims to inspire the next generation of farmers, has been backed by a Somerset MP.
Sarah Dyke, the Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, has backed her party’s recently announced plan, which includes a 'farm first' scheme similar to Teach First.
The scheme aims to attract young people into the farming sector and address what the party says is a growing crisis in agriculture.
Currently, only five per cent of UK farmers are under 35, raising concerns about a potential lost generation in the industry.
Ms Dyke, who comes from a family with five generations of farming experience, recently challenged the government in Parliament to do more to raise awareness among young people about food and farming.
She said: "Food and farming are almost entirely missing from the national curriculum, leaving young people with limited understanding of where their food comes from, or awareness of career opportunities in agriculture and the food system.
"As I’ve been saying for a long time, it’s absolutely critical that the government takes action now to improve education and recruitment into farming, otherwise we as a nation face a food security crisis of unprecedented levels.
"Farmers are crucial to our food supply chain and national security.
"They’re the guardians of the countryside and protectors of our environment.
"Our farming heritage has stood the test of centuries – should the next generation of farmers not take their rightful places, as a result of damaging policy failure, lack of education and government inaction we will all pay the price.
"The government must act now to change course and ensure our nation’s farming future is secured."
Ms Dyke called on the secretary of state to consider embedding agriculture, environment and food studies into the national curriculum.
She believes this could help inspire more young people to consider careers in farming and related sectors.
The Liberal Democrats argue that improving education and training around food production is essential to addressing food poverty and ensuring the UK’s long-term food security.
They also stress the importance of teaching children about nutrition, food origins and the value of locally grown produce.
The party said a renewed focus on agricultural education could help lift families out of food poverty and secure the future of British farming.
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