Lincolnshire Calls For Agrifood Skills Training To Remain Ahead

Agrifood industry leaders across Greater Lincolnshire have urged Defra to invest in people to maximise the potential of new technologies, attract young people, and strengthen skills and training to future-proof the county’s growing food sector. 

Lincolnshire bucks some of the national trends for the farming and food sector, showing higher productivity figures than other areas, and remains resilient and growth driven. 

However, an ageing workforce, difficulty recruiting skilled workers in certain specialties, and training gaps in emerging areas are challenges to future growth.

Lincolnshire farmers and growers are eager to remain front runners in the future of agriculture development. To achieve this, they say the county’s workforce needs the right skills to unlock the potential of technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics, which can promote further sector productivity.

Meeting at the latest Greater Lincolnshire Forum for Agriculture and Horticulture (GLFFAH), the county’s agrifood leaders told a representative from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that focused skills development is critical for future growth.

Greater Lincolnshire’s food sector employs more than 75,000 people and contributes significantly to the county’s economy.

The meeting highlighted both the strengths and challenges facing the county’s farming and food sector, while discussing its future workforce, skills, and productivity needs. 

Members of the forum emphasised the need for the industry to:

• Upskill the existing workforce, ensuring farmers and employees can adopt new technologies and business practices.

• Attract young people into the sector by challenging misconceptions and showing clearer career pathways.

• Support farmer-led training, mentoring, peer-learning and knowledge exchange clusters.

• Strengthen business, financial, and IT skills across the industry. 

Technology Potential Remains Untapped

The meeting underlined the potential of technology, from AI to robotics, but warned that adoption is being held back by a lack of confidence, knowledge and appropriate training. 

This is where collaborative learning and knowledge clusters were viewed as particularly beneficial. Effective collaboration has been shown to improve productivity in farming by up to 13% and helps to retain skills and talent in the county. 

Practical Training Needed For Growth

Considering Lincolnshire bucks the national trend, the county needs investment in people in order to grow, pointed out Matt Riddington, chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Forum for Agriculture and Horticulture.

“That means practical training for today’s workforce, long-term funding, and a clear vision that makes farming and food careers attractive for future generations,” he explained.

“We hope the Government’s long-term vision will be politically neutral to future-proof plans for the sector, and we need to work to balance their long-term objectives with our own aims and ambitions for the future."

FPC Careers: Inspiring The Next Generation of Talent

An ageing workforce and skills shortages are serious challenges facing the agrifood industry throughout the UK. Strengthening the pipeline of skills and talent are essential to the future resilience of the sector.

To showcase the nation’s many varied and exciting industry careers opportunities available for a new generation, the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) will host a virtual careers events on 20 November 2025.

Free to attend online, FPC Careers serves as a unique platform for top candidates pursuing careers in fresh produce, horticulture, and its many associated industries, such as retail, foodservice, food and beverage, logistics, packaging, technology, and wholesale. 

By creating a direct bridge between leading businesses and potential recruits, FPC Careers offers an unrivalled opportunity for new talent to connect with prospective employers. 

Attendees can meet with leading companies in the fresh produce and related sectors and gain access to live vacancies, while taking advantage of dedicated mentoring, and practical careers advice including how to write a winning CV. 

For exhibitors, the online event is an excellent opportunity to showcase their roles, company culture and future ambitions to a highly engaged audience of jobseekers, including graduates and career changers.

Find out more here: FPC Careers