Former NFYFC Chair Rosie Bennett was among the industry representatives at the Government’s second Farm to Fork Summit, held at No. 10 Downing Street in May.
Rosie from Devon was invited to represent YFC members at the event for a second year and co-chaired a group session.
Accompanied by Minister for Employment Jo Churchill MP, Rosie co-chaired the session Growing the Next Generation, which focused on the skills needed throughout the industry’s supply chain.
The discussion acknowledged the importance of science, technology and engineering and the constraints that planning and skills availability can have on deploying innovation.
The group also highlighted there was a need for flexibility of the apprenticeship levy and that existing farmers and food producers are supported to innovate.
They concluded that a joined-up approach was required – from field to fork – to bring together consumer, supermarket, processors and farmers.
Rosie said: “It was another extremely proud moment, especially as I had the opportunity to be on stage to deliver a summing up speech alongside NFU President Tom Bradshaw and Secretary of State for Defra Steve Barclay MP.
"It’s something I have only learnt the skills to do through being involved in YFC. Hopefully Young Farmers will continue to have seats at the table at events like this.”
Hannah Jackson (aka The Red Shepherdess), Will Young (Farmer Will) and partner Jessie Wynter were among the well-known faces who met with the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the event.
The annual event aims to bring together representatives from across the supply chain to discuss some of the key challenges and growth opportunities that lie ahead.
