Suffolk Show aims to attract young people into agriculture
Organisers focus on showcasing industry opportunities to future-proof farming.
The Suffolk Show's organising team is making strides with plans to secure the future of agriculture by attracting younger generations into the industry.
Helen Fomenko, part of the show's organising team, emphasised the importance of accessibility in their events, ensuring that barriers like parking fees and ticket costs for children under 15 are lifted to encourage broader participation:-
"..about ten years ago I would say, we made a conscious decision that we wanted to remove as many barriers to entry as possible, so we have introduced free parking and free tickets to children under 15. We are now much better at providing facilities for families, for visitors with disabilities, for those with dogs for example, and generally we are much more aware of what our visitors want and every year we try to improve on what we did the year before."
This year's show, set to commence from today (Wednesday 27th May) and run until tomorrow, will highlight agricultural heritage and opportunities in farming careers. At the Bucklesham entrance, visitors will be greeted by live demonstrations, showcasing the journey "from field to fork" and other agricultural insights.
Opportunities for Young People in Agriculture
The Suffolk Agricultural Association, which spearheads the Suffolk Show, is dedicated to informing young people about the many different careers available in agriculture. Fomenko mentioned their educational programme offering events for primary and secondary school children, highlighting that AI and technology are increasingly vital components of modern farming.
"We do host a lot of educational events as part of our education programme and that involves events for primary school children and secondary school children. We want to tell the young generation that there are a plethora of opportunities in the industry and it doesn't have to be to drive a tractor. Ai and technology increasingly plays a bigger part in everything the farmers do, so especially for young people today that's quite an appealing proposition."
The fishing industry, showcasing its significance and challenges, will be a notable feature in this year's farm discovery zone. Visitors can engage with experts to understand local catch methods and sustainable practices.
The NFU highlights that agriculture employs over 7,200 people in Suffolk and underpins a £1.5 billion agrifood chain. Encouraging young people to participate and reinforcing agricultural knowledge is vital for sustaining this impact.
Variety of Vendors and Local Focus
The Suffolk Show will host approximately 600 trade stands, ranging from food and agricultural machinery to clothing, equine supplies, and pet products. Fomenko says the show is a platform for Suffolk as well as broader East Anglia, underlining the entrepreneurial spirit driving the local economy despite the current challenges.
"The industry as a whole is facing difficult times and you don't have to go far, you only have to just switch on the television to witness different things that are going on. But the farming industry is a very resilient one and as I said before, farmers are responsible for putting food on your table, which you always need."
According to the NFU, collaboration and government support are crucial for meeting these challenges and advancing the sector's potential. Ensuring a secure water supply for crop irrigation remains a key priority, alongside promoting farm health and safety and engaging young people in farming.