Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to encourage young people to enter the farming profession; and what financial support and training pathways are available to new entrants to farming in rural areas such as North East Hampshire.

The Government recognises the importance of attracting young people into farming. Building on the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, Defra is developing a 2050 workforce strategy to equip people with skills for thriving agricultural careers. This includes modernising learning opportunities for young people including apprenticeships and T-Levels to reflect future growth such as agri-tech.

Defra is also committed to making farming accessible for young people and new entrants such as through tenant farming.

Opportunities in Hampshire include Sparsholt College and University Centre , part of the Land Based Colleges & Universities Aspiring to Excellence organisation.

Hampshire County Council provides a County Farms Service, offering an inclusive gateway into farming.