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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to encourage new entrants to the (a) farming and (b) crofting sectors.

It is a key priority of this Government to enable an innovative, productive and competitive agricultural and horticultural sector.

Attracting young talent into agricultural and horticultural careers and having a skilled workforce in place is vital for the future of UK food and farming.

The Government is working with industry bodies, such as the Food and Drink Sector Council, to raise awareness of agriculture as an exciting and attractive career path and to improve access to the talent and skills required by the industry.

The Government is reforming post-16 technical education to provide clear routes to skilled employment in agriculture and other sectors. A key part of this is the introduction of new T levels programmes, which alongside apprenticeships, will sit within 15 routes, including an Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care route.

We are also exploring how to help Local Authorities with council farm estates and other organisations and landowners who want to invest in providing more opportunities for new farmers to start a foundation business and gain the experience they need to progress onto a larger unit.

As agriculture is a devolved matter the question on crofting will need to be asked of the Scottish Government.