Food and Farming Careers - Our Plan for Change

Encouraging new and diverse talent

We want to inspire the next generation of farming talent.

As one of the biggest supporters of British and Irish agriculture, we want to inspire the next generation of farming talent. We know that many young people today may not realise the variety of roles the UK&I food or farming industry can offer. We want to challenge those misperceptions through programmes that showcase the real benefits of a career in this space.

That’s why we’ve offered undergraduates a 12-month placement opportunity through our Progressive Young Farmer programme since 2012. It offers the opportunity to learn vital industry skills and gain practical experience and mentoring with the businesses, farmers and stakeholders that supply us with beef, chicken, potatoes, pork, dairy or eggs. The programme is just one of the ways we are working towards our goal to support over 100 young people from non-traditional farming backgrounds kick-start careers in the food and farming sector by 2025. Of the 71 young people placed so far, 62% were female and 25% were from non-farming backgrounds.

For current McDonald’s Crew members, a new Restaurant to Corporate Bridge Programme will also give them the opportunity to work across the supply chain.

To find out more or to apply, click here.

Breaking down barriers

In 2022-23 we worked with LEAF Education to ensure young people have a voice in the future development of the agri-food industry. The research project engaged almost 2,500 young people to identify their perceptions of the industry across four key themes: sustainable food production, conscious consumers, diversity and inclusion and careers. The research included initial research, on-farm workshops and a two-day residential at the School of Sustainable Food and Farming to gather insights from 70 school children alongside some of our Progressive Young Farmers.

The research identified that 95% of young people feel they, and wider society, should be more aware of where their food comes from and almost 100% believe that their food choices have an important role to play in the fight against climate change. 75% felt that agriculture and food education should play a larger part in the school curriculum and 82% of young people felt that they need help in understanding practical steps of how to have a career in the agri-food industry. The final report aims to support the industry to work together to inspire, motivate, and engage future generations in the agri-food industry.

Making farming accessible

In 2024, we are sponsoring Open Farm Sunday which gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about farming and the countryside, and farmers the chance to talk about their pride in British food and farming. We are also supporting the National Food, Farming and Natural Environment Competition in 2024, which will enable on-farm learning experiences for school children across the UK.

Oxford Farming Conference

Since 2012, we’ve worked with the Oxford Farming Conference to sponsor the Scholars programme. This long-term partnership has allowed us to create a programme accessed by hundreds of Scholars, helping to bring them together both before and at the event. In 2020, we launched our Oxford Farming Conference Breaking Barriers Scholarship to support young people who come from outside the sector but are keen to enter it. Two scholarships are available for candidates who reflect a broad diversity of geographical and academic experience, and who are simply passionate about food production and feeding people.

Nuffield Farming Scholarship

Since 2015, we have partnered with Nuffield Farming to support their scholarship programme. We were the first major retailer to partner with the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust and continue to be the only large food business sponsor. To date, we have sponsored 16 Nuffield Farming Scholars to undertake research exploring key topics in farming, food, horticulture and forestry to benefit personal development and the wider industry. The research that is conducted through this scheme is imperative for the future of the agriculture industry – and with the support that Nuffield provides, the programme presents an incredible opportunity for those looking to initiate real change. This year, we are supporting Liz Haines and Dan Smith to study ‘Neurodiversity in Agriculture’ and ‘Generation Regeneration. We need you.’

"I am a Farm Manager running a commercial, net zero livestock farm for the benefit of underprivileged young people as well as the environment. I have a broad knowledge base in regenerative agricultural practices, holistic management, and environmental issues. I also facilitate therapeutic interventions supporting those from diverse backgrounds and champion people who need extra support".

Dan Smith, Nuffield Farming Scholar

"I am passionate about opportunities for new entrants in agriculture and bringing people in from non-farming backgrounds. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022 which has prompted a new understanding of the way I work and how we support people in our team. The Nuffield Scholarship will enable me to delve deeper into this, for both my own benefit and the industry more widely".

Liz Haines, Nuffield Farming Scholar

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The people behind our Plan

"This year has been one of the most exciting and insightful years of my life, and it's really energised me for my career path ahead. The people I've met, and the connections I've made, have been a highlight - whether that's newfound friends or future business connections. Working across the whole supply chain for such a huge agri-food company, as well as gaining insight into other agri-food companies supplying McDonald's, has been such an incredible learning experience. It’s certainly been a wakeup call to the scale of the commercial agriculture industry and the vast opportunities within it. In short, the programme has been absolutely invaluable, and I would highly recommend it to anyone."

Darcy Johnson, 2024 Progressive Young Farmer, on a placement with chicken supplier, Moy Park.