Release Date 05 July 2017

A new industry-level food training body launched today will tackle key questions facing the future of farming and the food business.

The AgriFood Training Partnership will combine the complimentary skills and knowledge of six university partners who are internationally recognised leaders in agrifood research and training. The partnership will offer more than 150 courses and workshops in all areas of agricultural production, environmental protection, food manufacture, scientific research and development and associated business and transferable skills.

Carol Wagstaff - Professor in Crop Quality for Health at the University of Reading and Director of the AFTP said:

“We are delighted to be in the privileged position of receiving a further £1.5M from BBSRC to enable unification of the AFTP and expansion into new markets both at home and overseas. Today’s launch event marks the start of a tremendous opportunity for us to work together with the agrifood sector to deliver the skills the industry needs to drive increased productivity, profitability and sustainability for both pre and post farm gate agrifood businesses.

“In an era of climate change, food insecurity and an ever growing population, the AFTP is helping the industry’s best talent to deepen their knowledge, advance their skills and progress their careers through flexible training opportunities and continuing professional development.”

At a launch event held at the Royal Geological Society in London, guests and partners in the new body heard from an esteemed panel of speakers including DEFRA Chief Scientist Professor Ian Boyd, who spoke about the future of farming following Brexit, the essential need for good training such as that provided by the new AFTP, and the need for some farmers to develop business acumen to face the challenges of a decade of uncertainty, declining productivity among UK farmers, and the prospects without subsidies.

The full speech by Professor Ian Boyd is availabe (from 34 mins) at:
https://www.pscp.tv/AFTPnews/1gqGvbQaQMqGB?t=7

BBSRC funding 

David McAllister, BBSRC’s Head of Skills and Careers, who spoke about BBSRC’s funding for the new body, and their broader support for training and skills development through its partnerships.

David McAllister said:

“A highly skilled and productive workforce is vital for the UK Agri-food sector for it to remain globally competitive and contribute effectively to UK productivity and the industrial strategy.  The AFTP, advised by industry practitioners, will help exchange cutting-edge knowledge and skills from the higher education research base to industry. This opportunity to improve skills whilst remaining in work is invaluable.”

Karen Lewis - Interim Executive Director, Innovation and Skills, BBSRC added:

“The agri-food sector is one of the UK’s largest industrial sectors, employing 3.9 million people, and delivering an estimated £20.1Bn in exports*. BBSRC is pleased to be funding the development of this high level skills programme that will enable the agri-food industry to benefit from the cutting edge knowledge and skills needed to improve productivity and grow the bio-economy.”

The new AFTP will act as a single entry point for all professional training in the food industry, bringing together the University of Reading, Aberystwyth University, Bangor Cranfield, Harper Adams and Nottingham and has been funded over the next five years by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Courses provide professionals with the evidence-based skills to succeed in the food industry, covering everything from international food law to influencing consumer behaviour. The AFTP brings together years of industry experience with the latest research understanding to provide participants with the skills to challenge the status quo, implement change and create an agrifood sector resourced to produce sufficient sustainable food for health.

Further details about the AFTP can be found at:
www.aftp.co.uk/launch

*Reference Figures from the Defra 2016 Pocket Book https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/food-statistics-pocketbook-2016

The new AgriFood Training Partnership (AFTP) builds on the heritage of the three previous Advanced Training Partnerships (ATPS) in AgriFood, Food and Pasture.

These three partnerships were all funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) with the primary aim of translating cutting edge research into applied industry expertise with the agrifood sector. Collectively since 2012, the ATPs have delivered short course training and postgraduate qualifications to over 1500 individuals from more than 700 businesses.