In our last newsletter there was a piece about which outlined the work that was going on, sponsored by Lord Curry, by the Agri-Hort Skill Leadership Group.
In our article, mention was made of a new professional body seeking to achieve a lifelong learning opportunity for all, ensuring CPD is recorded for all and ensuring the professionalism of the sector. The group wish to establish a virtual space for the individual, employer & other bodies, such as educational institutions. The objective is to seek a behavioural change within the sector where accreditation (in whatever form) from the professional body will become the norm; it could be taken as “farm assurance” for personal & professional development.
This new professional body now has a name: The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture.
Your Council believes it should be seen to be supporting this initiative for the English agricultural and horticultural sectors as the aims of the new body seem entirely laudable.
There is no doubt in my mind the sector should get behind this initiative to achieve cradle to grave learning & development which would be a real accolade for the industry.
Please CLICK HERE for a copy of their first Newsletter.
I do genuinely believe this is a proposal intended to provide real support in a professional and practical manner for our industry and an objective very much in line with our own.
The AHDB continue to put their weight behind this initiative; David Fursdon, chairman of Beeswax Farming, has now been announced as the Chair of the Development Board.
Where and how our own Institute will fit within the new framework is yet to emerge.
We will continue to keep you up to date with developments.
Mark Robins, Chairman IAgrM