The Welsh farmer’s union has made the most of last week’s A level results and today’s GCSE results to encourage more young people into the industry.

The campaign, launched this week by NFU Cymru, wants to make young people think positively about a career in farming at a time when many of them will be making important post-results decisions.

A video detailing the different ways of getting into farmers is now live on the NFU Cymru website, as well as a bilingual electronic booklet with articles from industry insiders on farming careers and case studies from existing young farmers.

The launch is the product of six months work by NFU graduate trainee Gemma Schofield.

“We are currently in between the ‘A’ level and GCSE results days. NFU Cymru wants to use this important time when young people are considering their futures to encourage them to think positively about a future career in the agricultural industry – whether they are from a farming background or not,” said NFU Cymru president Stephen James.

James said the advantages to a career in farming include being your own boss and running a own business. “I would encourage anyone with an interest in science, engineering, business, a thirst for knowledge and interest in the latest innovations, as well as good IT skills, to consider a career in agriculture,” he added.

John Davies, NFU Cymru deputy president and star of the new video, urged young people to consider farming. “Come on, get involved - there has never been a better time to get into the industry, with consumers more interested than ever before about where their food comes from and how it is produced,” he said.

James said: “To capitalise we need to create an environment that encourages innovation, investment and new blood joining our industry in order to secure the future of farming in Wales.”

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