UK Farming Needs Radical Cultural, Leadership Reset To Transform And Thrive

UK farming must put people first by fostering workplaces that are genuinely people-centred in order to attract and retain the next generation, warns a new white paper.

A fundamental reset in how UK farming treats, develops, and leads its people is needed, according to the paper, written by Paul Harris, founder and managing director of REAL Success.

The ‘Facing the Future: Why UK Farming Must Put People First’ paper argues that the sector’s biggest risk is no longer labour shortage, but a failure of leadership, culture, and people management. 

Leadership skills, staff well-being, working hours, facilities, and career pathways have often been left behind, while UK farming has made rapid progress on sustainability, animal welfare, automation and environmental standards.

However, the paper challenges the long-held belief that “people don’t want to work in farming”, saying the real problem is that too few farms offer environments where people can see a long‑term future. 

“Farming has upgraded heavily in technology, genetics and systems, but it has failed to invest at the same level in its people. That gap is now threatening the future of the industry,” explained author Paul Harris.

The result, Harris claims, is an industry that unintentionally exhausts, discourages and loses staff, relying on an ever‑smaller recruitment pool, rather than tackling structural issues.

Recommended Changes

The paper proposes two practical 10‑point action plans, one for industry leaders and one for individual farmers, which are aimed at immediate and longer‑term change, including: 

• Creating a National People Standard for farming, setting clear expectations for working conditions, leadership and staff development. 

• Putting people welfare on the same footing as animal welfare, recognising its impact on safety, productivity and performance. 

• Embedding people management metrics into supply chain assurance schemes, with retailers and processors playing a leading role. 

• Launching a positive national Careers in Farming campaign that reflects the reality and potential of modern agriculture. 

• Investing in leadership and people management training, not just machinery and technology. 

• Improving basic but vital on-farm facilities, working hours and communication. 

• Recruiting for values and attitude and supporting new entrants with proper induction and development. 

People First Is Profitable

Drawing on real farm examples from across the UK, the paper demonstrates that businesses which invest in leadership, communication, and working conditions are already seeing tangible benefits. 

These include higher productivity, lower staff turnover, and improved well-being for both owners and employees.

Existing REAL Success initiatives with companies such as Marks & Spencer and Müller are cited as proof this is commercially viable. 

Call To Action

The white paper makes a clear call to action not only to farmers, but to processors, retailers, educators and policymakers.

“If farming is to thrive in the next decade, it must become a career of choice for the next generation and for people currently working outside our sector,” stated Harris.  

“This means moving beyond slogans, subsidies and outside agencies, towards practical leadership, fair employment practices, and a shared pride in what farming stands for. 

“The UK doesn’t just need more people in farming. It requires more people-centred farms. This White Paper offers a starting point for the transformation the industry needs and can no longer ignore.”