My recent Research Further project explored the teaching of agriculture in further education colleges in England. The results provided insight into the decisions teachers make about what and how to teach but also the specific nature of the subject area. Preparing young people for a career in the industry requires delivering the technical and vocational skills and knowledge needed in the profession. However, the wider skills that are developed as part of the curriculum are also crucial in preparing them to enter a sector experiencing a period of change and uncertainty.
It would seem that all aspects of farming and food production are up for debate. Topics appear regularly in the press and on social media, with contributors from diverse backgrounds offering different perspectives and opinions. Agriculture encompasses a wide range of complex and often divisive topics with plenty of room for disagreement. The recent drive to adopt more sustainable approaches to farming has also triggered much discussion and interest.
These issues are reviewed at all levels, from global summits concerning the future of food and farming down to the local level with farmers deciding what to do on their farms. An industry organisation, LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming, 2023), has produced resources to support farmers in communicating with the public around what they are doing, as well as how to deal with difficult questions, linked to the Open Farm Sunday initiative. It is evident that the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders is an essential skill for those working in the agricultural industry.
