Countryfile, the BBC show, is influential. It is arguably more responsible than any other programme for increasing interest in – and understanding of – the countryside.
It covers farming and rural affairs and viewers can discover where food comes from and how it is produced.

Weather’s influence on food production is made starkly apparent, helping people to appreciate the ways in which extreme weather events can affect the food chain and price spikes.

What is not so clear is the way in which climate change is taking a toll on farming in most countries.

Produced by BBC Birmingham since 1988, Countryfile has covered big issues like badger culling, EU agricultural policy, hunting, genetic modification (GM) and organic production.
None has been more important than the recent programme examining the shortage of entrants to horticulture and that branch of the industry related to food production.

Countryfile presenters linked shortage of entrants to potential risk to the countryside, an environment that is largely managed by farmers and growers. The UK landscape benefits from the diversity of farming, especially here in Kent, a county where virtually every type of agriculture and horticulture is practised.

But as serious as threats to our countryside are, there is another issue that is far more important.

But as serious as threats to our countryside are, there is another issue that is far more important. With world population growing at an alarming rate, our farmers and growers are being exhorted to increase production. In order to fulfil the increased demand, production horticulture must attract far more high calibre entrants.

The shortage of people going into food production doesn’t just relate to the UK, it is virtually global. Furthermore, the industry’s support services – research and development, agronomy and so on – also need to recruit well qualified entrants. Countryfile did not report on the lack of courses available in production horticulture. Several universities and colleges have withdrawn degrees and training programmes because of poor take-up. The scarcity of education and training at a time of industry need is disturbing.

Hadlow is one of the few colleges to offer a BSc (Hons) programme and a range of bespoke horticulture apprenticeships. Production horticulture is a technologically and science-based industry.

It is essential that research programmes result in plant varieties capable of withstanding the weather extremes associated with climate change.

At the same time, the industry must develop innovative growing techniques capable of increasing production whilst using fewer fossil fuel and other resources. All this must be achieved in line with awareness and consideration for needs of the environment.
Where are the bright, motivated, young people prepared to make a difference by taking up these vast challenges?