Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support agricultural industries in the training of domestic workers after the UK leaves the EU; and if he will make a statement.

Enabling an innovative, productive and competitive farming sector which invests in its people and skills is a priority for this Government.

Agricultural technologies are transforming farming and creating new types of jobs and requirements for new kinds of skills. The Government is working with industry and the Food and Drink Sector Council to develop a long term action plan for a world class workforce for all sectors of the food chain, including agriculture. The target is to transform the skills agenda and raise awareness of agriculture as an exciting and attractive career path.

The Government is also reforming post-16 technical education to provide clear routes to skilled employment in agriculture and other sectors. A key part of this is the introduction of new T levels programmes which will sit alongside apprenticeships, including for agriculture, environmental and animal care.