Farmers take part in consultation
Over 100 farmers and growers took time out to participate in a recent Lantra consultation about the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for agriculture.
The feedback from those working across the UK will ensure the new standards reflect the latest farming best practice.
The online consultation was the final step in a UK-wide review of the skills and knowledge required to work in agricultural livestock and crops.
The feedback has been used to update and review the NOS.
These are an essential tool for any size agricultural business or organisation as they define the skills and knowledge required for different job roles and can be used to identify skills gaps and pinpoint where training is needed.
The updated NOS will help support the professional skills development of everyone working in the Agricultural Crops and Livestock sector.
Each respondent had the opportunity to win a Christmas hamper. The winner was Paul Simmonds at Cornerways Nursery, part of the British Sugar plant in Norfolk.
Paul’s team produces around 140 million eco-friendly tomatoes each year at Britain’s largest tomato-growing greenhouse. And last year Paul became a member of the NFU’s horticulture and potatoes board.
Paul won after providing feedback on the standards for Agricultural Crops. "Cornerways has grown rapidly over the last eight years thanks largely to having the right people", explains Paul.
"The development of our staff is greatly supported by training and qualifications therefore it is essential to help shape the content of these courses. The Lantra consultation was a perfect way to do this", he adds.
Alastair Johnston, Lantra’s Agriculture Industry Manager says: "By getting feedback from farmers and growers at every stage of this process we are able to define the skills and knowledge required for different job roles, reflecting the latest farming best practice, including an industry move towards sustainable intensification, with an emphasis on increasing production while minimising environmental impacts, and utilising resources and nutrients in a more efficient way."
The updated and revised NOS will be issued next month (February 2013) and will include new standards on sustainability, soil nutrients, risk assessment, electronically controlled machinery and livestock breeding.
Jenny Smith, Lantra’s Standards and Qualifications Project Manager concludes: "The revised NOS will be a great tool to help agriculture employers identify the skills their staff need, highlight best practice, develop training plans and develop job descriptions. The standards will also form the basis of Agricultural Crops and Livestock qualifications."
