Page 51 - Regional Employment & Skills Plan

4.3 Food and Farming
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Please see Sectors at a Glance for full illustration.
Recent research conducted collaboratively by the Welsh Government, Sector Skills Councils and industry partners, indicates that the food and drink supply chain is important to the Welsh economy in terms of employment, income and the contribution it makes to tourism.
The research estimates that the supply chain makes up approximately 18% of the total Welsh workforce, and generated over £6 billion in 2010, performing well in a challenging economic climate. The report, 'The Welsh Food and Drink Skills Project', states that there are 27,515 local business units in the food and drink supply chain which employ approximately 230,000 workers - representing the largest combined industry of employment across Wales. Direct employment in the Farming sector in Wales accounts for 70,000 workers.
The food and farming sector is a significant part of the foundational economy and encompasses a large part of the food and drink supply chain and includes primary production and agriculture as well as the manufacturing and preparation of food and drink. This is an area where traditionally the region has a strong presence and has a number of established brands and producers.
The sector is also characterised by a significant level of self employed individuals, particularly within land based roles with 48% of individuals being self employed compared to 15% of the normal workforce.100
According to evidence stated in ‘Working Futures 2012-2022’, the greatest demand will be for the following job roles:
• Animal Care Workers
• Veterinarians
• Veterinary nurses
• Production managers in manufacturing
• Biological Scientists & Biochemists
• Environmental Health Professionals
• Fishing & Agricultural Workers
100 https://www.lantra.co.uk/sites/default/files/The-UK-Land-based-and-Environmental-Sector_-Skills-Assessment -Update-Spring-2014_0.pdf
Regional Employment & Skills Plan South West & Mid Wales Foundational Economy