Embracing professionalism: The future of British agriculture and horticulture

Well, many of us already recognise the need to keep our skills and knowledge up to date. So, maybe that question should rather be, "Why shouldn’t we be recognised as being a professional?"

Being a professional is not the sole preserve of solicitors, accountants, doctors etc. As farmers and growers, for goodness’ sake, we produce the nation’s food and an increasing portion of its energy, doing all this while also managing its landscape and environment.

We are the bedrock of the British food industry – the largest manufacturing industry in the UK. What other profession carries such a weight of responsibility requiring professional standards?

What does 'professional' actually mean?

Professionalism involves participating in an activity for gain or reward with a high degree of competence that is clearly demonstrable - inspiring confidence.

UK farmers, growers and their people have a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience, but this isn't always recognised as such when much of the skills and knowledge has been gained through informal routes. Job roles and scope change over time, and there is always a need to continuously hone existing skills and develop new ones according to those changing needs.

Professionalisation through a professional body like TIAH can offer the demonstration of and recognition for those skills through a formal but user-friendly system of registration, review and refreshing of skills and knowledge. Continuously reviewing needs and signposting development opportunities.

Changing perceptions

For too long, agriculture and horticulture have been viewed by many outside the industry as not requiring high levels of skill or education. I recall my own son facing scepticism from his headmaster about his desire to become a farmer despite excellent A-level results. If only that headmaster could see the multitude of practical and business skills my son now needs to run a successful business. 

While not everybody wants to shout from the rooftops about their skills, we all surely need to demonstrate and inspire confidence - confidence to customers, consumers, legislators, inspectors and those who would try to undermine us. Most importantly, we need to instil confidence in those who might want to join our industry in an era of increasing competition for quality, talented people. 

A vision for the future 

What might a professionalised industry look like? Wouldn’t something like this be a worthy but realistic aspiration?

By professionalising, we could develop a world-class and innovative workforce whose abilities are recognised and rewarded. Professionalisation is recognising that skills development is fundamental to all businesses. And the truth is by professionalising, we increase the chances of our sector being seen as a home to choice careers, where the significance of farming and land management are recognised and valued by society.

Wouldn’t we all want to be part of that industry?

Richard Longthorp is a pig and arable farmer based in East Yorkshire, as well as a member of TIAH's board. Find out more about how TIAH membership can help you evidence your professionalism.