The future looks very promising for those aiming for a career in the agricultural and food sector, according to a Swedish professor.

According to the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that around 35 million new jobs need to be created within the next five years to ensure that the world’s population has enough food. This isn’t just about jobs on farms – it’s about employment across the entire food chain, from research and innovation to planting and harvesting.

• This is the industry of the future. Not only because it meets one of humanity’s most fundamental needs – putting food on the table – but also because it already offers great career opportunities and is in high demand, says Helena Hansson, Professor of Economics at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).

She acknowledges that in Sweden and similar countries, there are barriers to how easily one can start and run an agricultural business. The sector also needs to become more profitable to attract people. However, she emphasizes the growing need for professionals in fields such as plant breeding, the development of more efficient cultivation methods, animal husbandry, food safety, and the management and leadership of food production and systems.

• The challenges are significant. We need to produce more food for a growing population, while also facing climate change and – in some cases – armed conflicts that increasingly threaten food production, she says.
• I am convinced that we can combine sustainability with resilience and produce good food that is sufficient for everyone. But this requires more people to see their future in the food sector.

As a small light in the darkness, Danish agricultural schools have, for the fifth consecutive year, seen a significant increase in the number of young people enrolling – young people who see a future in agriculture.

Read the press release from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences HERE

Photo: Paz Arando, Unsplash