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Careers in farming and growing are perceived by many as poorly paid, hard work, uninteresting and requiring little intelligence. This may be true of jobs in industrial farming, but mostly these pre-conceived perceptions are antiquated and based on fiction. Human-scale organic farms offer a bright future for people wanting a challenging and rewarding career in rural Britain.

The modern organic farmer or grower requires an enormous set of skills to run their businesses. They need to be highly market aware, in touch with their customers, innovative, technically proficient and highly intelligent. The learning process never stops and innovation is key for business success.

A career in organic agriculture or horticulture can be highly rewarding physically and mentally, whilst allowing the farmer or grower a sustainable income to live on. Whilst few would enter such a career for the money, the wider benefits are huge and virtually unequalled in any other profession.

Inspiration

There are many examples of people who have forged their own career in organic farming or growing, often from meagre beginnings with little money or experience. Inspirational examples can be found through the organic movement of people who've done it, in all age groups.

The common theme running through all success stories is grit, determination and passion for what they do. These strengths can help people overcome enormous difficulties and result in success.

Organic Heroes
Opportunities for young people: podcast
Visit an organic farm

Some job requirements for the modern organic farmer or grower

• Ecologist
• Harvest manager
• Accountant
• Marketing manager
• Plumber
• Builder
• Mechanic
• Woodworker
• Welder
• Stockman
• Tractor driver
• Office manager
• Shop keeper
• Business director
• Teacher
• Website manager
  

Statistics

• Organic farming provides 50% more jobs per farm and 30% more jobs per hectare than non-organic farms
• 82% of organic farmers use computers in their businesses
• 56% of organic farms have diversified from their core business
• 51% of organic farmers have been through higher education
• 54% of children from rural backgrounds want to work on a farm as a career
• Organic farming has more youth, entrepreneurial zeal and innovation than non-organic farming
• 73% of rural businesses, against 67% of urban businesses, use the internet