London event - Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster

The Skills for Our Nation summer fete, backed by the Minister for Skills, David Lammy MP, took place in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 11 June 2008. The event kickstarted Lantra's drive to raise awareness of critically important job roles in the environmental and land-based sector.

On the same day Lantra announced a stark warning that with the industry losing 15,900 workers per year, UK farmers could become extinct by 2035, resulting in Britain losing its self sufficiency which is crucial to maintaining our independence and position as a global player.

With 38% of the workforce operating in the land-based sector aged over 45, skills are literally dying out. Additionally, despite the industry offering an average weekly income nearly £100 in excess of that earned in retail, hotels or restaurants, young people are failing to see the unlocked potential of the land-based industries. Career information is available from afuturein.com

Dr Gordon McGlone OBE, Chairman of Lantra, said: “Britain faces a future where growing is going and we need materials and workers from other markets to maintain our food supply and take care of the land-based economy. We are determined to highlight the opportunities within the industry and help businesses up skill to equip themselves for the future. We represent an industry which has the opportunity to thrive once more and in turn safeguard the self sufficiency of the UK as a nation.”

The event was attended by 30 Members of Parliament, plus government officials and the media.

Minister for Skills David Lammy MP speaks to Lantra Chairman Gordon McGlone and representatives of the environmental and land-based industries at the "Skills for Our Nation" event, organised in the shadows of the Houses of Parliament by Lantra Sector Skills Council.