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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to support agricultural industries in training UK workers after Brexit.

It is a priority of this government to enable an innovative, productive and competitive agricultural sector, which invests in its people and skills.

Access to a sufficient and appropriately-skilled workforce is essential to continued industry growth, productivity and safety. Agricultural technologies are transforming farming, creating new types of jobs and requirements for new kinds of skills. By raising awareness of agriculture as an exciting and attractive career path, more people will understand the opportunities available in the farming industry.

The government is working with industry bodies to improve access to the talent and skills required. The Food and Drink Sector Council has established a Workforce and Skills Group to develop a long-term action plan for a world-class workforce for all sectors of the food chain, including agriculture.

The government is 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 alongside apprenticeships, will sit within 15 routes, including agriculture, environmental and animal care.