The Isle of Wight NFU branch supported a careers event at Medina College, Newport, showcasing the broad array of job opportunities within UK agriculture.
The event took place on Tuesday 8 February and the NFU stand was fronted by Isle of Wight NFU chair Robyn Munt, alongside other exhibitors including Island NFU members Matt and Charlotte Legge, Briddlesford Farm, Ralph Smith, Luke Flux and Jack Hodgson. Eye-catching exhibits were also staged by other members including FPS Tomatoes, of Arreton and Briddlesford Lodge Farm, Wootton.
Mrs Munt said afterwards: “We were delighted to join fellow NFU members in supporting the careers event at Medina College where we engaged with some 140 students. We introduced them to the vast range of careers available in agriculture ranging from farm secretary to herdsman, agricultural engineer to agronomist, and the opportunities in disciplines such as sales and marketing in the agricultural supply sector. Young blood is essential to the success of UK agriculture as estimates suggest that 60,000 new people are needed to work in our industry right now, for it to simply stand still, and even more if we are to expand food production and increase self-sufficiency in home-grown food.
She added: “We are very excited to continue to support Medina College as it prepares to offer the iGCSE in Agriculture, and as the College establishes its outdoor and field classroom. This is a great opportunity for students to engage with everything agriculture has to offer."
The Isle of Wight NFU branch has been assisting the College in preparing the new outdoor learning space and providing links with the Island farming community to support students in their studies.