Thursday (Sept 10) was Back British Farming Day, a chance to recognise the enormous contribution that farmers make to our food security, countryside and economy. Here in Cumbria, farming is at the heart of our rural communities and a vital part of our identity.
As the Member of Parliament for Penrith and Solway, I am proud to support our farmers and the families who work tirelessly throughout the year to produce high-quality British food.
We are home to 1,665 farm businesses, and livestock farming remains the backbone of many communities. From the Herdwick flocks of the Lake District to the beef and dairy farms of the Eden Valley and Solway Plain, farming supports thousands of jobs and helps drive our rural economy. They also help maintain the landscapes that attract millions of visitors each year.
But if we are serious about backing British farming, we must also be serious about backing the next generation of farmers.
One of the greatest challenges facing rural areas today is ensuring that young people can see a future for themselves in the communities where they grow up. Too many young people leave Cumbria in search of education, training and employment opportunities elsewhere. Others risk falling into the category known as NEETs, not in education, employment or training. That represents not only a personal loss of opportunity but also a loss of skills and talent for our local economy.
Agriculture offers a solution. Modern farming is a highly skilled and increasingly technological profession. Today’s farmers require expertise in machinery, data management, environmental protection, business management, animal welfare and emerging AI technologies. Farming careers are no longer limited to traditional farm work. They include engineering, science, agronomy, renewable energy, environmental management and food production.
Young people must be encouraged to see these opportunities and given clear pathways to pursue them. If we want British agriculture to remain competitive and sustainable in the decades ahead, we need more young people entering the industry. Fresh ideas, innovation and entrepreneurship are essential if farming is to adapt to changing markets, environmental challenges and profit from new technologies.
Cumbria already benefits from strong educational institutions and further education providers. However, there remains a significant opportunity to strengthen specialist agricultural education within our county. Rural employers regularly raise concerns about skills shortages and difficulties recruiting workers with the qualifications they need. Closing that gap should be a priority.
That is why I believe Penrith is the ideal location for a dedicated agricultural college.
Penrith sits at the heart of one of England’s most important farming regions. It has a proud agricultural heritage, excellent transport connections and strong links with the farming community. An agricultural college located in Penrith could become a centre of excellence for rural education.
Such a college would help create opportunities for local young people while supporting employers across Cumbria. It could offer apprenticeships, vocational qualifications and partnerships with farms and businesses, ensuring students gain practical experience alongside their studies. It would also provide opportunities for adults looking to retrain or develop new skills throughout their careers.
Back British Farming Day should not simply be about celebrating the achievements of our farmers. It should also be about planning for the future. Farming remains one of Cumbria’s greatest strengths, but its long-term success depends on investing in people.
I want every young person in Cumbria to know that rewarding careers exist within the rural economy. I want employers to have access to the skills they need to grow and succeed. And I want Penrith to become a national leader in agricultural education and training.
By supporting farming, creating opportunities for young people and developing a dedicated agricultural college in Penrith, we can help secure the future of one of Cumbria’s most important industries for generations to come.