Inspiring the young to 'Focus on Farming'

“Events such as Focus on Farming are a great opportunity to showcase the range of job roles throughout the county and help our young people understand the career opportunities available on their doorstep."

More than 100 GCSE students and their teachers were invited to the first 'Focus on Farming’ careers conference delivered by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), funded by AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) kindly hosted by Lord and Lady Hertford of Ragley Hall. 

The event provided an opportunity for 120 young people to understand more about the agri-food industry, highlighting career opportunities and ensuring schools are delivering their exam specifications in the most inspiring ways, including opportunities to talk directly with industry professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Hearing their stories and passions, demonstrating the variety of ways to get involved in the agri-food industry, and providing hands on experiences.  

The Focus on Farming events provide the young people with a range of information, including: 

• 🤝🌱 Connect students through experiential learning by providing hands-on experiences 

• 🥩🌾 Educate on where their food comes from and the different types of farming 

• 👩‍🔬👨‍💻 Inspire curiosity about the diverse job roles in the farming industry and showcase innovations in agriculture 

• 🌍🐝 Promote sustainability in farming by highlighting the importance of environmentally friendly farming practices that produce healthy, sustainable food 

The day provided the young people with an overview of the industry. After a morning out on the estate, students came into the Great Hall to explore national agri-food businesses, such as, Jordans Dorset Ryvita, Tesco's and EAT Wild,  Farrington Oils Ltd , through to local producers such as Ragley Honey, Hiller's Farm Shop, Sandfields farm and Gorse Hill ice cream, where they even tried venison fajita's and Lavendar ice cream! 

Students were able to talk with employers and education providers to the industry including University of Warwick Innovation Campus, Warwickshire College Group, Stratford College, Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, Class, Alcester Rural Enterprise hub, and WCC Careers hub. 

Dave Ayton-Hill, Director for Economy and Place at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Events such as Focus on Farming are a great opportunity to showcase the range of job roles throughout the county and help our young people understand the career opportunities available on their doorstep. There are so many aspects to the agri-food industry which this event showcased brilliantly. I hope this event, and all future events, showcase the future career opportunities that are available.” 

This event was a result of collaborative working between Warwickshire County Council, the Royal Agricultural Society for England, and LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) and made possible by funding from AHDB - Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.  The event success demonstrates the power of partnership and collaboration, bringing together those with a desire to inspire and educate young people about the eye opening opportunities available here in Warwickshire. 

Photos (C) Peter Fleming, Shooting Stone Media