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A landmark report released today by Arla Foods, in collaboration with the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, has issued an urgent call for collective action to address the deepening labour and skills crisis within the UK agricultural and horticultural sectors.

The study makes a direct link between workforce stability and national food security, warning that without a resilient pipeline of talent, the productivity and affordability of the British food system remain at significant risk.

The Recruitment Gap: Perception vs. Potential

The report identifies a stark "awareness problem" among the next generation of workers. Currently, only 4% of young people are employed in food and farming, yet approximately 38% indicate an openness to entering the sector.

The research highlights three primary barriers preventing this potential talent from entering the industry:

• Awareness: A lack of knowledge regarding the diversity of modern agricultural roles.

• Attractiveness: Negative associations with long hours and perceived low pay, despite a strong connection to nature and "sense of purpose."

• Access: A lack of clear vocational pathways and curriculum-based exposure in schools and colleges.

A Worsening Crisis for UK Farmers

Data from a Summer 2025 survey of Arla’s 1,900 UK farmer owners underscores the severity of the situation. Recruitment has become progressively more difficult over the last four years:

• 84% of farmers who attempted to fill vacancies reported receiving few or no qualified applicants.

• This represents a notable increase from 79% in 2021, indicating a chronic and worsening trend in the rural labour market.

David Christensen, an Arla farmer, noted: “Attracting young talent is not a challenge that farmers can solve on their own. If we want a resilient, competitive, and sustainable agri-food sector—and abundant, affordable food on supermarket shelves—we must invest now in the people who will produce it.”

Recommendations for Government and Industry

The report, which was presented to political stakeholders at a Parliamentary event today, outlines three core recommendations to safeguard the future of the UK food supply chain:

1. National Awareness Campaign: A unified effort to showcase the rewards and technological diversity of modern agricultural careers.

   
   

2. Educational Integration: Strengthening agricultural exposure by embedding food and farming concepts directly into the national curriculum.

   
   

3. Clear Entry Pathways: Supporting employers to recruit and develop the next generation through structured training and development frameworks.

Bas Padberg, Managing Director at Arla Foods, emphasized the human element of the crisis: “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.”

Industry Response and Next Steps

In response to these findings, Arla has committed to expanding its educational outreach. Following a year in which Arla farmers conducted over 120 school visits, the cooperative will launch new educational materials designed to help students understand the complexities of daily farm life and the origin of their food.

Alex Hardie, Business Development Manager at the School of Sustainable Food & Farming, added that nearly half of young people (42% in some segments) are not turning their backs on farming, but are simply waiting for clearer pathways to enter the industry.