Land based careers: agriculture, horticulture, forestry

This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into land based careers such as agriculture, forestry and horticulture.

What are land based careers?

Land based careers encompass a number of areas of work. The environmental and land-based sector can be divided into five areas for graduate employment: agriculture and science; animal-related; environmental conservation and rural management; fresh produce, nurseries and garden centres; gardens, landscape and design.

Land based industries employ over 1.2 million people throughout the UK. An estimated 60% of businesses are sole operators and it is estimated that 94% of businesses employ less than 10 people.

The sector continues to undergo a process of radical change driven by the globalisation of production and markets, rapidly changing consumer tastes and an increasing focus on high value products. (Lantra)

The land-based sector has historically suffered from an image of poor pay and long hours and has been pushed as a non-academic route for students. Consequently, there is a lack of understanding of the sector and the career opportunities it offers. (Lantra)

AGCAS

Prospects

Targetjobs

 

How do I get into it?

A degree or equivalent qualification is required for some jobs in this sector. With the growth of foundation degrees new entry routes and routes to professional development for new and mature entrants and existing employees have been created within the sector.

Work experience within a related field adds value to an application.

The sector relies heavily on volunteers and unpaid workers in addition to casual workers. It is estimated that there are approximately 500,000 voluntary workers in this sector nationwide. Volunteering is often used as an important route to paid employment. Active student may be able to offer you some guidance with this.

  • LANTRA
    This website provides a wealth of information relating to careers in land based industries.
  • Further information on the University of Brighton accredited courses and careers in land-based industries can be found at the Plumpton College.

 

Finding a job or employer in this sector

Within the South East, estimates give a total of around 15,171 businesses or organisations that operate wholly or principally in the land-based sector.

The total land-based workforce within the region is currently estimated at 105,610. This figure is a conservative estimate and may not reflect the large numbers of temporary, casual and migrant workers known to work in areas such as production horticulture.

With a quarter of the workforce aged 55 or over, there is a growing need for more graduates to enter the environment and agriculture sector

There will be a need for nearly 250,000 new workers between now and 2020, with roles in customer service and managerial and skilled trade occupations, such as agricultural engineers, offering the most opportunities.(Lantra)

Vacancies are advertised so keep up to date with the local press and other potential employers such as local councils. Be aware that vacancies in this sector are not common and they attract strong competition.

Undertaking work experience will develop your range of industry contacts and networking opportunities. This in turn may increase the likelihood of employers responding positively to any speculative applications.

Research gaps in the industry and consider how you might exploit these. Visit Beepurple's enterprise pages for more information about setting up your own business.

While there are no specific land based recruitment agencies in the local area, the following sites should give you an idea of where to look for vacancies.

  • Countryside Jobs Service
    Vacancies are updated daily and a selection can be viewed online. 
  • Farmers Weekly
    As well as news about the sector there is a section for jobs and forums for discussion points.
  • Growing Careers
    Vacancies, information and advice for those seeking work in the environment & conservation, garden & landscape design, agriculture and horticulture.
  • The National Trust
    Vacancies can be viewed online, you can register to receive email alerts.

 

Further Information and useful links

  • Agrifor
    The UK’s gateway to high quality internet resources in agriculture, food and forestry.
  • British Association of Landscape Industries
    Serving the interior and exterior landscape sector.
  • Confor
    The Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor) is the voice of the UK's forestry industries.
  • Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
    In addition to information about food, air, land, water, people, animals and plants you will find a vacancies section.
  • Environmental Careers
    This includes a searchable international jobs database, an extensive range of sector summaries and job profiles, real life case studies, university information, undergraduate and postgraduate course listings, and links to overseas conservation organisations and potential employers.
  • The Forestry Commission
    The government department responsible for the protection and expansion of Britain’s forests and woodlands. As well as vacancies you will find job profiles and contacts for the human resources department.
  • Horticulture Week
    News and jobs for the horticulture sector.
  • The Institute of Chartered Foresters
    All aspects of tree management, including forest and woodland management, arboriculture, urban forestry and environmental forestry and research, education and training.
  • Institution of Agricultural Engineers
    This is the professional body for engineers, scientists, technologists and managers in agricultural and allied land-based industries, including forestry, food engineering and technology, amenity, renewable energy, horticulture and the environment.
  • The Royal Forestry Society
    Caters for all those who care about forestry, forests, woodlands and trees, their husbandry and their future.
  • Society of Garden Designers
    Details of registered garden designers, information about the professional publication, The Garden Design Journal and a good links section to other related professional bodies and more.

Key points

  • There will be a need for nearly 250,000 new workers between now and 2020.
  • Land based industries employ over 1.2 million people throughout the UK.
  • An estimated 60% of businesses are sole operators and it is estimated that 94% of businesses employ less than 10 people.
  • The land-based sector has historically suffered from an image of poor pay and long hours and has been pushed as a non-academic route for students.