An industry report is calling for urgent, coordinated action to tackle the UK agriculture sector’s mounting workforce shortages, warning that without decisive intervention, the nation’s food security and the affordability of British produce could be at risk.
Commissioned by Arla Foods and the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, the report argues that the UK’s food and farming system cannot remain productive or resilient without a significantly expanded and better‑supported pipeline of skilled workers.
Perceptions are blocking young talent
Among the report’s most striking findings is the disconnect between young people’s openness to agricultural careers and their understanding of the sector.
While only 4% of young people currently work in food and farming, 38% say they would consider a career in the industry.
However, most lack clear information about the roles available, see other sectors as more appealing, or simply don’t know how to enter.
Agriculture faces an awareness problem, an attractiveness challenge and an access barrier. Young people value farming’s purpose and connection to nature, but still associate it with hard physical labour, long hours and low pay – perceptions that continue to deter new entrants.
Food security at stake
Against a backdrop of geopolitical volatility, environmental change and cost‑of‑living pressures, the need for a stable food supply has become more pressing.
“At the heart of all of this is people,” said Bas Padberg, managing director at Arla Foods. “If we don’t succeed in bringing in more people and addressing current shortages, there are obvious threats to the UK’s food security, as well as to the affordability and accessibility of food.”
The sector is already struggling. A survey of Arla’s 1,900 UK farmer owners revealed that around five in six farmers trying to fill vacancies received very few, or no, qualified applicants. The situation has worsened over time, rising from 79% in 2021 to around 84% today.
Three calls to action
To overcome the barriers and build a future‑ready workforce, the report sets out three priority recommendations for industry, educators and government:
1. Launch a national careers campaign
A UK‑wide initiative is needed to showcase the diversity, rewards and modernity of agricultural careers – from robotics and data to sustainability and animal health.
2. Strengthen agricultural education
The report urges schools and colleges to embed food and farming into the curriculum, giving young people earlier, more accurate exposure to the sector.
3. Build clearer career pathways
Employers also need support to offer structured routes into the industry, including training, apprenticeships and talent development.
Alex Hardie from the School of Sustainable Food & Farming noted that young people aren’t turning their backs on farming, they simply want clearer pathways. “If we improve awareness and access, agriculture has a real opportunity to inspire the next generation to work in an already thriving industry.”
Farmers can’t solve the crisis alone
Arla farmer David Christensen said the findings underline the urgency of collective action: “Attracting young talent is not a challenge that farmers can solve on their own. If we want a resilient and competitive agri‑food sector, we must invest now in the people who will produce our food.”
Farmer-led engagement is already happening. Arla farmers delivered more than 120 school visits in 2025. To support this, Arla will roll out new educational materials to help young people understand the breadth of jobs on modern farms.
A decisive moment for UK agriculture
The report concludes that the sector is at a pivotal moment. With coordinated action from government, education and industry, the UK can build a workforce capable of delivering on national goals for food security, climate action and rural prosperity.
The message from young people is clear: the interest is there if the pathways are too.
Read the full report in full here: https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/food-for-thought/securing-the-future-of-our-food/
