Morrisons has launched a new £2 million apprenticeship transfer fund which will be used to train the farmers of the future.
Launched by the retailer at the Great Yorkshire Show on 9 July, the funding will ensure that British farming has enough people being trained to meet the UK’s food needs.
Morrisons’ programme and apprenticeship funding will equip would-be farmers with the broad skills needed. It will also upskill apprentices with the business knowledge of how to provide for food manufacturers and retailers like Morrisons.
NFU President Minette Batters said: “The NFU welcomes this announcement by Morrisons to provide additional funding for the training of farmers and growers. Improving skills is a key part to unlocking productivity gains on farm and vital in addressing the future challenges and pressures that farming faces.
“Training and skills development also ensures there is a professional, flexible and reliable workforce as well as helping to attract new entrants to the industry.”
David Potts, Morrisons’ chief executive, said: “We are British farming’s single largest customer and so it makes sense to invest our apprenticeship fund to contribute to more new farmers being skilled to provide food for the nation. We hope that people from all backgrounds will be attracted to these important jobs.”
The Morrisons programme will include:
- Mentoring and support from fellow apprentices and key members of the Morrisons’ team to understand the retail sector
- Matching apprentices with local stores so budding farmers can spend a day in store every few months telling their story to shoppers and learning what shoppers want and how store work
- Study supply chain projects to develop their understanding of customer attitudes to British sourcing, farming and animal welfare