Executive Summary - Skills Support for the Workforcessw.fundingunit.org.uk/.../FNR_MDA_AgriTech_MS.100918..docx · Web viewAgri-tech, where technology is being utilised to provide

Future skills needs in the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership Area

More Developed Area: York and North Yorkshire

Agri-Tech:Manufacturers and Suppliers

Beyond 2030 has produced this Report on behalf of Calderdale College and as part of the College’s delivery of the 2017-18 ESF funded Skills Support for the Workforce programme across the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership Area.

July 2018

YNYER Future Skills Needs – Agri-tech. Manufacturers and Suppliers subsector

Executive Summary York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership (YNYER LEP) has

commissioned a series of research reports, which will allow key decision makers to understand more fully the future skills needs of the YNYER LEPs eight identified priority sectors.

Agri-tech, where technology is being utilised to provide solutions to problems in agriculture, farming, and food production and distribution, are being developed to allow farmers to increase productivity and reduce costs.

It is estimated that Agri-tech directly accounts for £14.3bn in value-added and 542,000 jobs across the UK. The sector is dominated by the agriculture (farming) subsector, but other key subsectors include research and development and the supply of technologies.

This report considers the research and development subsector within the wider Agri-tech sector.

Beyond 2030 spoke with employers and stakeholders such as the Stockbridge Technology Centre, the Processors and Growers Research Organisation, the Society of Dairy Technology, Lantra, Chartered Institute of Horticulture and Askham Bryan College to inform this report, in addition to drawing on the sources mentioned in the bibliography.

More Developed Area (MDA) of York and North Yorkshire

York and North Yorkshire is divided into eight Local Authorities: Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby and the City of York.

In 2016, it had a resident population of 813,300. Over 411,000 individuals are employed in the area. Employment rates stand at 80.7% for North Yorkshire and 77.5% in York compared to the LEP average of 78.8%.

The largest employment sectors across North Yorkshire and York are health and social work, accommodation and food services, and retail.

Manufacturers and Suppliers in Agri-tech

The YNYER LEP has five priorities in its Strategic Economic Plan, with its second named priority being the aim to be ‘a global leader in food manufacturing, Agri-tech and biorenewables.’

185 businesses operate in the manufacture and supply of Agri-tech subsector, employing 2,605 individuals.

24% of the workforce is located in Hambleton district, 21% in Harrogate and 17% in Selby. 76% of businesses employ less than 10 individuals. Job roles in the subsector include sales accounts and business development managers,

production managers in manufacturing, agricultural machinery drivers, book keepers, vehicle maintenance operatives and engineering technicians.

Female workers are underrepresented in the subsector. Just 22% of the workforce are female.

Just 27% of the subsector workforce are under 35 in contrast to 35% in the whole economy. Many firms Beyond 2030 spoke with had recruited in the previous 12 months.

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Recent vacancies included Agricultural Service Technician, Graduate Trainee Engineering Project Administrator, Maintenance Engineer and Technical Sales Adviser.

The manufacture base and agriculture industry need strong partnerships to bring technology and innovations from production sites to farms.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show is just one way in which to bring together farmers with local dealerships.

The colleges, such as Askham Byran, and universities in the LEP area provide the opportunity to gain the skills required to work in the sector. Agricultural machinery dealerships are particularly interested in Agricultural Technician / Land Based Service & Maintenance Engineer apprenticeships.

By 2025, it’s anticipated that the agricultural technology sector will be worth more than £136 billion globally.

The combined challenges of global population growth, volatile food prices, climate change and pressure on finite natural resources have brought a renewed focus on the importance of technological innovation in agriculture which has implications on manufacturers.

Agricultural machinery dealers will remain a crucial element in the relationship between manufacture and customer.

Acknowledgements Beyond 2030 would like to extend thanks to the employers in the LEP area as well as both local and national stakeholders who provided their time and assistance in giving us valuable insights into the issues facing the subsector. These included:

• The Stockbridge Technology Centre. • The Processors and Growers Research Organisation. • The Society of Dairy Technology. • Lantra.• Chartered Institute of Horticulture.• Askham Bryan College.

Beyond 2030 is indebted to Calderdale College for the guidance and support received in completing this report.

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ContentsExecutive Summary...............................................................................................................................2

Acknowledgements...............................................................................................................................3

1 Introduction to the LEP and the research......................................................................................5

1.1 Agri-tech sector.....................................................................................................................5

1.2 York and North Yorkshire, MDA.............................................................................................6

1.3 Local Authorities....................................................................................................................6

2 Manufacturers and Suppliers in Agri-tech, MDA...........................................................................9

2.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................9

2.1.1 Subsector definition.......................................................................................................9

2.2 Manufacturers and suppliers of Agri-tech subsector economy and employment...............10

2.2.1 Jobs people do.............................................................................................................10

2.3 Skill needs - Primary research and testing the data.............................................................12

2.3.1 Recruitment and retention..........................................................................................12

2.3.2 What are the current skill needs and gaps...................................................................13

2.3.3 Skills needs / gaps........................................................................................................13

2.3.4 Training and apprenticeships.......................................................................................14

2.4 Future roles and skills..........................................................................................................15

2.5 Drivers.................................................................................................................................16

2.5.1 Political........................................................................................................................16

2.5.2 Economic.....................................................................................................................16

2.5.3 Social............................................................................................................................16

2.5.4 Technological and Environmental................................................................................17

3 Bibliography.................................................................................................................................18

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1 Introduction to the LEP and the researchThe York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership (YNYER LEP) has commissioned a series of research reports which will allow key decision makers to more fully understand the future skills needs of the eight identified priority sectors in the medium term. These sectors are:

• Visitor Economy. • Food Manufacture.• Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE). • Health and Social Care. • Construction. • Engineering. • Agri-tech.• Bio Renewables.

As the economic and political situation changes, it is nearly universally acknowledged that improved skills and the link to enhanced productivity is a key way by which to improve economic well-being. Consequently, LEPs across England are looking at how best to support sectors with the potential to grow and generate wealth and prosperity.

In this research Beyond 2030 seeks to fully understand the future skills needs required to ensure that within the YNYER LEP area, priority sectors can recruit and develop world class employees who have the skills to deliver exceptional service now, but also that they are equipped with the relevant skills to ensure a highly productive and world class sector throughout their working lives.

As well as wanting to more fully understand the characteristics and future needs of the eight sectors, the LEP wants to drill down to develop an understanding of the most significant subsectors in each priority areas by geography.

1.1 Agri-tech sectorThe YNYER LEP has five priorities in its Strategic Economic Plan, with the second priority being the aim to be ‘a global leader in food manufacturing, Agri-tech and biorenewables’ (YNYER LEP 2014).

Agri-tech is not an industry that has been clearly defined in existing Standard Industrial Classification (SIC). It is a broad sector that encompasses more than on-farm activities: there is also the Research and Development (R&D), as well as the manufacturing and selling of the technology.

This report therefore considers the manufacturers and suppliers subsector within the wider Agri-tech sector in the More Developed Area (MDA) of York and North Yorkshire, which as seen above is a key component of Agri-tech.

In this report Beyond 2030 sets out the skills and productivity of the area as a whole and at Local Authority level to provide context, before considering the subsector further detail.

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1.2 York and North Yorkshire, MDA North Yorkshire covers an area of 8,654 square kilometres (3,341 sq. mi), making it the largest county in England. The majority of the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors lie within North Yorkshire's boundaries, and around 40% of the county is covered by National Parks.

York and North Yorkshire is divided into eight Local Authorities: Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby and the City of York.

In 2016, it had a resident population of 813,300, which equated to 71% of the LEPs resident population (ONS 2017). Over 411,000 individuals are employed in the area. Employment rates stand at 80.7% for North Yorkshire and 77.5% in York compared to LEP average of 78.8% (The largestemployment sectors across North Yorkshire and York are health and social work, employing 13% of all workers, accommodation and food services, employing 11% of all workers, and retail which employs 10% of the workforce (ONS 2016).).

Using YNYER LEP as the standard, the differences in the productivity, skills and employment across North Yorkshire and York can be seen. The largest employment sectors across North Yorkshire and York are health and social work, employing 13% of all workers, accommodation and food services, employing 11% of all workers, and retail which employs 10% of the workforce (ONS 2016). highlights where the area performs better (green) or worse (red). Self-employment in North Yorkshire, for example, stands at 13.9% - greater than within York, the LEP as a whole and the English average. However, the number of individuals qualified to level 4 or above is lower and the proportion with no qualifications is greater in North Yorkshire.

The largest employment sectors across North Yorkshire and York are health and social work, employing 13% of all workers, accommodation and food services, employing 11% of all workers, and retail which employs 10% of the workforce (ONS 2016).

Table 1 Productivity, skills and jobs:

Measure North Yorkshire

York YNYER LEP

England

Gross Weekly pay full time (£) (place of residence, 2016) £489.10 £509.60 £504.70 £544.70

Job density (the ratio of total jobs to population aged 16-64, 2015) 0.96 0.85 0.86 0.84

Employment Rate (Apr 2016-Mar 2017) 80.7% 77.5% 78.8% 75.6%Self-Employment (Apr 2016-Mar 2017) 13.9% 9.7% 12.0% 10.9%Full-time workers 63.1% 62.7 63.8% 69.1%Unemployment Rate (Apr 2016-Mar 2017) 2.9% 3.0% 3.2% 4.4%Economically Inactive (Apr 2016-Mar 2017) 16.8% 20.0% 18.5% 20.9%Level 4+ (Jan 2016-Dec 2016) 35.9% 42.7% 37.5% 37.9%No Qualifications (Jan 2016-Dec 2016) 6.5% 6.1% 6.3% 7.8%

Source: Office for National Statistics: LEP and National Labour Market Profiles; GVA for Local Enterprise Partnerships

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1.3 Local AuthoritiesLooking in more detail at Local Authority level, variations in the employment rate can be seen: Craven, Harrogate and Scarborough have the highest at rate 83% while Richmondshire has the lowest at 75%. However, the employment rate in seven of the local authorities is greater than the national average (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Employment rate across the LEP and North Yorkshire Local authorities (Apr 2016-Mar 2017)

Craven

Harrogate

Scarborough

Selby

Hambleton

Ryedale

York

Richmondsh

ire

YNYER LEP

England70%

72%

74%

76%

78%

80%

82%

84% 83% 83% 83%

80%

79% 79%78%

75%

79%

76%

Source (ONS 2017)

Using YNYER LEP as the standard, additional variations in the job, skills and productivity levels of each of the local authorities are highlighted in the table below. Where the area performs better, these have been highlighted in green with relatively poor performance being highlighted in red in Table 2. In summary:

Four Local Authorities have a lower weekly wage than the LEP average (Craven, Hambleton, Ryedale and Scarborough).

In three Local Authorities (Craven, Harrogate, and Ryedale) the job density is above one - meaning that there is more than one job for every resident aged 16-64.

Self-employment is particularly high in Harrogate and Scarborough. The proportion of full-time workers is low in Scarborough. The proportion of workers with a level four qualification ranges from 23.4% in Hambleton to

50.3% in Craven.

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Where the local authority area performs better than the YNYER average this has been highlighted in green, or worse, in red in the table below.

Table 2 Productivity, skills and jobs by local authorities in York and North Yorkshire MDA

Craven Hambleton Harrogate Richmondshire Ryedale Scarborough Selby York YNYER LEP

England

Gross Weekly pay full time (£) (place of residence, 2016) £413.10 £496.80 £535.50 £507.20 £443.10 £460.30 £549.40 £509.60 £504.70 £544.70

Job density (the ratio of total jobs to population aged 16-64, 2015)

1.16 0.98 1.06 0.80 1.02 0.93 0.73 0.85 0.86 0.84

Employment Rate (Apr 2016-Mar 2017) 83.0% 78.6% 82.7% 74.7% 78.6% 82.6% 80.3% 77.5% 78.8% 75.6%

Self-Employment (Apr 2016-Mar 2017) * 12.0% 16.9% * 12.9% 19.1% * 9.7% 12.0% 10.9%

Full-time workers 60.0% 65.0% 61.5% 62.5% 69.6% 58.5% 68.6% 62.7 63.8% 69.1%Unemployment Rate (Apr 2016-Mar 2017) 3.0% 3.1% 3.3% 3.4% 3.5% 3.5% 3.8% 3.0% 3.2% 4.4%

Economically Inactive (Apr 2016-Mar 2017) 15.6% 18.2% 14.4% 25.3% 19.3% 15.0% 16.0% 20.0% 18.5% 20.9%

Level 4+ (Jan 2016-Dec 2016) 50.3% 23.4% 42.8% 25.3% 36.8% 37.7% 31.1% 42.7% 37.5% 37.9%No qualifications (Jan 2016-Dec 2016) * 9.1% * * * 7.4% 8.9% 6.1% 6.3% 7.8%

Source (ONS 2017) * data not available, sample too small

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2 Manufacturers and Suppliers in Agri-tech, MDA 2.1 Introduction The LEP area has a diverse and robust agriculture base, with agriculture frequently recognised in local strategies. For example:

• Agriculture is considered a key strength in Hambleton district (Hambleton District Council 2014). It is one of the top seven sectors in terms of businesses, with job increases recorded in the subsector during period 2007 to 2013 when there was an overall contraction in employment.

• Harrogate economic growth strategy recognises the strong rural economy of the district (Harrogate Borough Council 2017). Harrogate is also home to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which hosts the annual Great Yorkshire Show, attracting over 130,000 visitors and 8,000 animals (YAS 2018).

• Ryedale’s Economic Action Plan highlights the strengths of agriculture in the area (Ryedale District Council 2016). Near Eden Camp in Malton, a new agri-food business park and livestock market site has been part funded by a £2.1m Local Growth Fund grant from the LEP (YNYER LEP 2017). This Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) will create a thriving agri-food park employing over 500 people near Malton (Defra 2015).

• In Craven, agriculture and land-based industries form a significant part of the district’s economy, particularly in the more remote areas of Grassington, Wharfedale and North Craven (Craven District 2010).

A thriving agricultural sector requires technology and equipment. There are many types of agricultural equipment, from hand tools and power tools to tractors and the countless kinds of farm implements that they tow or operate. Diverse arrays of equipment are used in both organic and non-organic farming. Especially since the advent of mechanised agriculture, agricultural machinery is an indispensable part of how the world is fed.

The value of sales of new UK farm equipment was estimated to be just over £1.7bn in 2017 (AEA 2018). However, the state of the UK market for farm equipment is very closely linked to the fortunes of farming. Access to new technologies, equipment and skills has the potential to empower British agriculture. The manufacturers and suppliers of new technologies to farmers are an integral part of the Agri-tech supply chain.

2.1.1 Subsector definition For the following report Beyond 2030 have defined the subsector using the below Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes. These are the key codes used within the BIS Agri-tech scoping report (BIS 2016).

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Table 3 Standard Occupation Classification

SIC Definition 10.91 Manufacture of prepared feeds for farm animals20.15 Manufacture of fertilisers and nitrogen compounds20.20 Manufacture of pesticides and other agrochemical products28.30 Manufacture of agricultural tractors and forestry machinery46.11 Agents involved in the sale of agricultural raw materials, live animals. 46.21 Wholesale of grain, unmanufactured tobacco, seeds and animal feeds46.61 Wholesale of agricultural machinery, equipment and supplies

Source (ONS 2009)

2.2 Manufacturers and suppliers of Agri-tech subsector economy and employment

185 businesses operate in the manufacture and suppliers of Agri-tech subsector, employing 2,605 individuals across the York and North Yorkshire area (ONS 2017). Hambleton district has the greatest employment number accounting for 24% of the workforce. A further 21% are employed in the Harrogate district and 17% in Selby.

76% of businesses employ less than 10 individuals, 27% employ between 10 and 49 individuals and 3% employing between 50 and 249.

Firms involved in the subsector in the area include:

B. O. M. Agriquipment http://bomagri.com/ Sumo UK Ltd https://www.sumo1.com/ Dalton Engineering Ltd http://www.daltonengineering.co.uk/ Kentra Grain Systems http://www.kentra.co.uk/ Newquip http://newquip.co.uk/ Precision Decisions http://www.precisiondecisions.co.uk/ TecTRACER https://www.tectracer.com/ Wharfedale Tractors Ltd http://www.itontrack.co.uk/tractors/ R B M Agricultural Ltd https://rbmagricultural.co.uk/ J R Firby Ltd http://www.jrfirby.co.uk/ Green's Farm Supplies Ltd https://www.greenscountrystore.co.uk Russell Group http://russells.uk.com/ Grimme https://www.grimme.com/uk J G Paxton & Sons Ltd http://paxtons.co.uk/ Wilfred Scruton Ltd http://www.wilfredscruton.co.uk/

2.2.1 Jobs people do The major occupational groups for the subsector at a UK level are shown in the table below. The greatest difference in the proportion of employment for the subsector compared to the all economy occurs in process, plant and machine operatives. 16% of the workforce are within this occupational group compared to 6% in the all economy.

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http://www.wilfredscruton.co.uk/

http://paxtons.co.uk/

https://www.grimme.com/uk

http://russells.uk.com/

https://www.greenscountrystore.co.uk/

http://www.jrfirby.co.uk/

https://rbmagricultural.co.uk/

http://www.itontrack.co.uk/tractors/

https://www.tectracer.com/

http://www.precisiondecisions.co.uk/

http://newquip.co.uk/

http://www.kentra.co.uk/

http://www.daltonengineering.co.uk/

https://www.sumo1.com/


Job roles can include sales accounts and business development managers, biological scientists and biochemists, agricultural machinery drivers, book keepers, vehicle maintenance operatives and engineering technicians.

Table 4 Occupational groups

Agri-Tech Manufacture and Suppliers (UK)

All economy (UK)

Managers, Directors and Senior Officials 14% 11%Professional Occupations 8% 20%Associate Professional and Technical Occupations 21% 14%Administrative and Secretarial Occupations 11% 10%Skilled Trades Occupations 14% 11%Personal care services 2% 9%Sales and Customer Service Occupations 14% 8%Process, Plant and Machine Operatives 16% 6%Elementary Occupations 2% 10%

Source (Office for National Statistics; Social Survey Division; Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. 2017)

The job roles with the greatest number employed in the subsector across the UK1 are:

Table 5 Top jobs roles in manufacturing and supplier of Agri-tech subsector, UK

Occupation Number employed 3545 'Sales accounts and business development managers' 3,2001121 'Production managers and directors in manufacturing' 2,5009134 'Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers' 2,3002112 'Biological scientists and biochemists' 1,700

Source (Office for National Statistics; Social Survey Division; Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. 2017) * not elsewhere classified

22% of the subsector workforce are female across the UK. This is significantly below the national all economy average of 47%.

Young people are slightly underrepresented in the subsector compared to the whole economy. Only 27% are aged under 35, compared to 35% in the whole economy.

The subsector workforce also has a greater proportion of older workers. A quarter (25%) of the workforce are over 55 years of age, in contrast to 19% for the whole economy. With an ageing workforce there are set to be significant challenges in future recruitment due to replacement demands meaning that firms need to consider carefully succession planning.

Figure 2 Age profile of the subsector, UK

1 Sample for LEP and Yorkshire and Humber area too small for reliability

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Under 25 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65+0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

UK Manufactures & Suppliers of Agri-tech UK All economy

Source (Office for National Statistics; Social Survey Division; Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. 2017) * not elsewhere classified

2.3 Skill needs - Primary research and testing the data2.3.1 Recruitment and retention Recruitment opportunities are occurring in the subsector with positions available particularly in the larger firms. Many firms Beyond 2030 spoke with had recruited in the previous 12 months. Further secondary research also revealed vacancies. For example:

Grimme UK Ltd were looking for an Agricultural Service Technician to join their base in York. Andersons Northern were looking for a Farm Business Consultant to join their team in

Easingwold, near York. Vencomatic Group had a position available for a Graduate Trainee Engineering Project

Administrator. The role would assist the team in the field to complete projects installing agricultural equipment.

Primary Diets, a manufacturer and supplier of specialist piglet pre-starter and starter feeds, were seeking a Hygiene Operator / Plant Cleaner based in Melmerby.

AB Connect were looking for a Maintenance Engineer to join the team in Northallerton to ensure operational safety, output and quality standards were maintained.

Origin Fertilisers had a position for a Technical Sales Adviser. Paxtons were seeking Skilled Service Technicians

One firm that offered precision farming services were always looking for individuals to join the team. They encouraged individuals with an interest in farming, especially precision farming, who were flexible, willing to travel the UK and understood technology to send in CV and introductory letter to explain how they could be benefit the team.

When firms were asked about challenges and threats facing the organisation and sector, feedback frequently mentioned recruitment and skills. A firm that supplied and maintained mechanical tractors and other off-road vehicles reported difficulties in recruiting individuals with mechanical engineering skills.

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2.3.2 What are the current skill needs and gaps2.3.2.1 Skills levelsA quarter (26%) of the subsector workforce hold a level 4 or above qualification. This contrasts with the national average, where 43% hold such a qualification.

The age of the workforce could reflect the lower skills levels. Historically, experience over qualifications was valued. Land-based technicians learnt on the job. However, we expect the profile to change as skills requirements change (see section 2.3.3 and 2.3.4).

Figure 3 Qualifications levels of the subsector

NQF Leve

l 4 and above

NQF Leve

l 3

Trade apprenticesh

ips

NQF Leve

l 2

Below NQF Le

vel 2

Other qualifi

cations

No qualifica

tions0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

UK Manufactures & Suppliers of Agri-tech UK All economy

Source (Office for National Statistics; Social Survey Division; Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. 2017)

2.3.3 Skills needs / gaps The agriculture industry and the manufacture base needs strong partnerships to pull technology and innovations from production sites to the farm.

In the past manufactures, or land-based engineers, would look at designing and building bigger and more powerful tractors and farm machinery. However, today it is about more than that. The disciplines and skills required, include robotics, computer-based imaging, GPS technology, science-based solutions, climate forecasting, technological solutions, environmental controls and much more.

Agricultural technicians are highly skilled. They need to be automotive electricians, a hydraulics specialist, a diagnostic engineer, have computer skills but also the ability to weld. Work is not necessarily carried out in a workshop, it can be out in the field in any weather. All these skills require a great deal of training and development. Apprenticeships in land-based engineering can take up to four years.

Suppliers need to be aware of product abilities and help consumers better understand and utilise innovative products. The Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show is just one way in which to bring together farmers with local dealerships and a huge array of all the latest machinery and equipment for agriculture, horticulture, ground care and forestry.

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From our primary work Beyond 2030 can suggest that the following skills are particularly needed and valued by employers:

Industry experience. Land based Engineering skills.

o Knowledge of machine hydraulics / electrical diagnostics / mechanical engineering. Retail service experience. Communication skills. Driving licence / Forklift licence. Team worker.

2.3.4 Training and apprenticeshipsThe colleges and universities in the LEP area provide the opportunity to gain the skills required to work in the sector.

For example, Askham Bryan College has an Agri-Tech Innovation Centre and Land Based Engineering Workshop. The modern facility has enabled the college to increase student numbers, while offering a range of courses. This includes a land-based technology course where students learn to test, maintain and repair a wide range of agricultural and industrial machinery (Askham Bryan College 2018).

Many agricultural machinery dealerships will provide manufacture-based training programmes. For example, one firm offers training with Case IH, Kverneland Horsch and Lely training programmes.

In our primary work, Beyond 2030 found general support for the principle of apprenticeship. Larger dealerships were particularly interested in agricultural technician / land-based service and maintenance engineer roles. They have greater capacity to mentor apprentices, which can be more difficult in smaller firms.

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Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show Held at the York Auction Centre, Murton on the first Wednesday in February, it attracts over 200 trade exhibitors and thousands of farmers and visitors. The show is an opportunity to highlight new innovations in farming technology. In 2018 it featured a number of agricultural machinery related seminars on the latest health and safety guidelines, legal compliance, profitability, precision farming, grant availability, new technology and security tracking.


2.4 Future roles and skillsBy 2025, it is anticipated that the agricultural technology sector will be worth more than £136 billion globally (Agri-EPI Centre 2018). This includes over £129 billion in the Autonomous Farm Equipment Market and over £7 billion in the Precision Farming Market.

However, there are several factors that may affect the subsector. These include:

Economic constraints. Legislative changes. Meeting noise and emissions limits. Currency movements. Land usage concerns. Environmental objectives.

All these forces encourage greater adaptation to the market and create pressure to gain efficiencies and to reduce unit costs. Machines are being made smarter. By integrating electronics-based capabilities into farm machinery and interconnecting different machines to create a systems-based approach, technology is becoming a key part of the overall system. Examples of new capabilities include the integration of GPS and automated steering into harvesting machinery, as well as the use of yield mapping.

Dealers will remain a crucial element in the relationship between manufacturer and customer. For larger products, notably tractors, a single franchise remains usual but smaller products are handled by many competitive outlets. A major challenge lies in the ability of dealers to fully support products of growing complexity whilst faced with limited profitability.

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John Deere ApprenticeshipsAs the agricultural and turf machinery business becomes more technologically advanced, utilising satellite navigation systems, Formula 1 transmission technology, computerised controls and advanced, fuel-efficient engines, the need for skilled people working in the industry becomes ever greater. Thereby, John Deere offer apprenticeships at their dealerships.

John Deere apprentices will work at a John Deere dealership but also spend time at the John Deere Apprentice Training Centre and at John Deere’s Head Office, both near Nottingham.

Ripon Farm Services (https://www.riponfarmservices.com/) had an Apprentice Agricultural Technician position available. With an emphasis on farm machinery, the individual will develop skills and proficiency in a wide range of technical areas, from routine maintenance and servicing, through to complex component overhauls, utilising the very latest John Deere diagnostic equipment. All travel and accommodation costs whilst attending the training centre are covered by the employer.

https://www.riponfarmservices.com/


2.5 Drivers2.5.1 Political Industrial Strategy

Part of the government Industrial Strategy’s aim to improve productivity and create better and higher-paying jobs across the UK, the government has committed to working with industry to boost spending on R&D to 2.4% of GDP by 2027, which could increase public and private R&D investment by as much as £80 billion over the next 10 years (GOV.UK 2017). This in turn will no doubt create further recruitment opportunities in the Agri-tech field.

2.5.2 Economic UK Research and Innovation

Due to fully operate in April 2018, UK Research and Innovation will have a combined budget of more than £6 billion, and will bring together the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK and Research England (UK Research and Innovation 2018). It intends to ensure that the UK maintains its world leading position in research and innovation.

Their objective is to invest every pound of taxpayers’ money wisely in a way that maximises impact for citizens, in the UK and across the world. They wish to foster a collaborative environment for universities, researchers and businesses which is able to attract funding from new sources.

2.5.3 Social Knowledge / promotion

Much high-quality and useful research is taking place across the UK. However, more can be done to help users, including potential inward investors, to find the right knowledge, information and partnerships. If this can be achieved it could lead to more industry and research-based co-investment.

Organisations such as the Crop Health and Protection (CHAP), the Centre of Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL) and the National Farmers Union (NFU) will be key to helping to promote knowledge of new innovations.

Access to R&D and technologies

Being able to access the new technologies that can ensure productive and profitable farming is key. However, the availability of even simple, basic technology such as the internet is holding some farmers back. 13% of farmers do not have reliable access to the internet and 60% of those with a connection only have speeds of 2Mbps, insufficient to deal with data heavy maps drones and sensors will generate (nesta 2015). Focus therefore needs firstly to be on the rural infrastructure.

At the recent NUF conference the Business Secretary Greg Clark announced a £90 million fund for Agri-tech (NFU 2018). The funding is designed to help food and farming businesses to access and use innovative technology, such as AI and robotics.

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2.5.4 Technological and Environmental The need to feed a global population of 9bn by 2050 amidst variable weather patterns and deepening environmental concerns is all exacerbating the need for new efficiencies, improved crop yields, and smarter agricultural practices.

In addition, the UK government has set a date of 2040 of phasing out fossil fuel engines. Consequently, this is impacting the farming sector too. For some types of farm vehicles, such as loaders and mixer-feeder wagons, electric engines are already available. However, tractor manufacturers are also looking at electric and hybrid vehicles. This brings about the requirement for new skills in the production line but also for suppliers. Suppliers need to be fully aware of the new technology capabilities.

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3 BibliographyAEA. 2018. Industry Facts. Accessed March 2018. https://aea.uk.com/industry-facts.

Agri-EPI Centre. 2018. Agricultural Engineering Precision Innovation Centre. Accessed March 2018. https://www.agri-epicentre.com/.

Askham Bryan College. 2018. Research. Accessed February 2018. https://www.askham-bryan.ac.uk/the-college/research.

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Executive Summary - Skills Support for the Workforcessw.fundingunit.org.uk/.../FNR_MDA_AgriTech_MS.100918..docx · Web viewAgri-tech, where technology is being utilised to provide