An event in Berkshire, organised by the government in conjunction with industry partners, has gathered together 150 young people at the start of their careers in the hope of stimulating the inspiration they will need to become top business leaders.

Attendees from around the country took part in the Fertile Minds event, representing farming businesses, communicators and research interests. Food and Farming Minister, George Eustice MP, spoke to the assembled young people about his plans to enact the recommendations from the Future of Farming Review, aimed at introducing more skilled young people into agriculture.

The minister said, "Agriculture is one of the most vital and rewarding careers on offer today. From food production to science and engineering there is a wealth of opportunity for young people across the sector. Whilst providing us all with the food we eat, farming is also a crucial part of our economy, contributing £9 billion and 450,000 jobs.

"We need to make it a more attractive career choice for talented, entrepreneurial young people so it can continue to thrive in the future. Every industry needs new entrants with fresh ideas to be innovative and competitive and farming is no exception. I want to look at ways of ensuring that bright young people can fulfil their aspirations in the industry."

Opponents of the recent closure of the Agricultural Wages Board, which negotiated graded pay rates for agricultural workers in England and Wales, have accused the government of driving off young people from agriculture by returning the industry to a minimum wage sector and potentially exacerbating rural poverty, hampering development in the countryside.