Former JLS boyband member fronts campaign to get millenials farming

Every industry, especially farming and agriculture, needs new talent to innovate (Photo: JB Gill/Barclays)
Every industry, especially farming and agriculture, needs new talent to innovate (Photo: JB Gill/Barclays)

A campaign spearheaded by a former boy band member turned farmer to encourage British millenials to take up farming has been launched.

The UK’s farming and agriculture industry is facing more challenges than ever in planning for the future.

New research reveals that only 3% of 18-30 year olds would view farming and agriculture as a desirable career.

The number of farmers over the age of 65 has increased by 70% over the last ten years, while the number of under-25s has dropped by almost two-thirds over the same period.

Every industry, especially farming and agriculture, needs new talent to innovate and look to new markets, and the next generation will be vital as the sector strives to boost productivity and drive growth.

Succession planning is an important topic, and many organisations are continuing to encourage Britain’s farmers to start having these conversations.

To inspire the next generation of entrants to the industry, Barclays has launched #FarmtheFuture, a nationwide campaign encouraging farmers to kick-start their succession plan.

By teaming up with JLS boyband member and TV presenter JB Gill, who has swapped a life of pop stardom for turkey and pig farming, the campaign hopes to inspire a younger generation to consider a career in agriculture.

Millenial misconceptions

The first step in the campaign is clearing up the misconceptions millennials hold about the barriers to working in the industry.

Over half (59%) believe they wouldn’t be able to afford to become a farmer and four in ten (44%) think they can only break in if they inherit land.

While looking to bust these myths, research has found that farming and agriculture could provide millennials with their ideal career.

Over three quarters (76%) saying staying physically fit and healthy while working was important to them and nearly half (48%) saying they would like to work with animals.

'Welcoming newcomers'

JB Gill said there's a lot of misconceptions among young people about what a career in agriculture really means.

“It’s hard, physical work so it keeps you fit, you get to work with animals, you’re your own boss and you can keep up with the trends by posting everything on social media for everyone else to see,” he said.

“The farming community is really welcoming, providing newcomers with knowledge on everything from tending to animals to financial advice.

“You don’t need to have your own land to work in agriculture, there are many options from farm management through to the service industries and I would encourage anyone interested to give it some serious consideration – it’s a life like no other.”