Key Trends Shaping Agriculture and Recruitment Opportunities
June has been a pivotal month for British agriculture. From accelerating agri-tech adoption to shifting government support and concerns over harvest outcomes, the farming sector is navigating a period of significant change. For agricultural businesses and job seekers alike, understanding these developments is essential. At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we have our finger on the pulse of the industry and are seeing clear signs that the demands of modern farming are evolving quickly.
Below, we explore some of the major stories from June and what they mean for recruitment in the sector.
Agri-Tech is Gaining Ground
This month, one of the more widely discussed developments came from The Watercress Company, which publicly detailed its successful integration of drone technology into day-to-day farm operations. Their use of drones for spraying and crop health monitoring is helping reduce labour demands and improve accuracy across large planting areas. This reflects a broader trend across UK agriculture, where farms of all sizes are beginning to embrace precision agriculture.
What makes this particularly relevant for recruitment is the growing demand for professionals who understand how to operate and manage these technologies. From drone operators and precision farming specialists to software support technicians and data analysts, the roles emerging around agri-tech are varied and increasingly vital.
Many farms are seeking staff who can work across both traditional farming and digital systems, which presents a unique opportunity for individuals with hybrid skill sets. It also means there is a need to upskill the existing workforce, with demand rising for training providers who can deliver courses in drone usage, GPS machinery, and farm management platforms.
Environmental Schemes are Reshaping Land Management
While much attention has been focused on budget constraints in England, the broader picture shows a more complex dynamic. DEFRA’s recent commitment to increase funding for Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMs) signals a significant shift in priorities. Over the next four years, spending on ELMs is expected to rise from £800 million to £2 billion annually. In Wales, the Sustainable Farming Scheme is being finalised and is set to require at least 10 percent of each farm's land to be dedicated to trees and habitats to qualify for subsidies.
This shift is putting sustainability front and centre, and it is creating clear recruitment needs. Environmental advisors, biodiversity officers, grant compliance managers and sustainability consultants are already in demand. Farms are looking for people who can help them align with new frameworks, maximise public funding, and implement land stewardship projects without compromising productivity.
From a recruitment perspective, there is also an opportunity to engage graduates and mid-career professionals from related fields, such as environmental science, ecology, and conservation. These changes are opening the doors to new talent pools that may not have previously considered a career in agriculture.
Financial Uncertainty and Harvest Concerns
Farmers are heading into the summer with increasing concerns about cash flow and harvest quality. The unusually wet spring and early summer have already impacted planting and crop growth in many regions, and predictions for the 2025 harvest are mixed at best. At the same time, political changes are raising fresh worries around inheritance tax relief and potential shifts in subsidy structures under the new Labour government.
According to recent reports, England’s farming budget is set to be reduced by around £100 million per year, further compounding uncertainty for farmers trying to plan ahead. These conditions are prompting many businesses to re-evaluate their risk strategies and explore ways to diversify income.
This environment is driving up demand for professionals who can help navigate financial challenges. Roles such as agricultural business consultants, financial planners, and diversification specialists are becoming more common. There is also growing interest in candidates who understand both traditional farming and alternative income streams, such as on-farm retail, rural tourism, or small-scale food processing.
Biofuel Jobs Under Threat
A major story this month was the announcement that Vivergo, the UK’s largest bioethanol producer, may close its Hull plant in September. This follows the signing of a UK-US trade agreement that could allow cheaper American ethanol into the market. The potential closure threatens around 160 skilled jobs and raises broader questions about the future of British-grown energy crops.
For recruiters and candidates in the renewable energy sector, this is a moment of reflection. The biofuel industry has long been viewed as a cornerstone of rural economic development, especially in regions where arable farming supports energy crop production. The current situation highlights the volatility of international trade and its direct impact on domestic employment.
Despite the uncertainty, this also creates space for innovation. There may be a renewed push for locally resilient energy systems and for companies to invest in broader bioresource strategies. Specialists in bioeconomy planning, energy crop management, and circular agriculture could find themselves in higher demand as businesses pivot to new models.
Lavender Farming and the Rise of Agritourism
June has brought good news for the UK’s growing lavender sector. Thanks to favourable weather and a steady rise in consumer demand for natural products and rural experiences, lavender farms across regions such as Norfolk, Hampshire, and the Cotswolds are thriving. These farms are expanding beyond oil production into agritourism, offering everything from lavender yoga retreats to pick-your-own events and rural wellness experiences.
This trend highlights the increasing importance of diversification in agriculture. Farms that previously relied solely on crops or livestock are now exploring how to monetise their land in new ways, and that means hiring differently.
Marketing professionals, event managers, customer experience staff, and retail product developers are just some of the roles that lavender farms and other agritourism ventures are now advertising. Recruitment in this space requires a broader mindset, engaging with candidates who have experience in tourism, wellness, or direct-to-consumer retail.
Conclusion: Agriculture is Changing, and So Are Its Workforce Needs
June has shown that British agriculture is at a point of transformation. Farms are adapting to new technologies, navigating shifting political and environmental landscapes, and finding innovative ways to survive and thrive in a challenging economy.
At the same time, the nature of agricultural employment is changing. The sector needs more than traditional roles - it needs drone pilots, environmental consultants, diversification planners, cybersecurity experts, and hospitality professionals. As the scope of farming continues to expand, so too must the talent supporting it.
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists is here to help farms and agribusinesses find the people who will drive success in this new environment. Whether you are hiring for a specialist role orexploring a new career path in the sector, we are ready to support you.
To discuss your recruitment needs or explore job opportunities, get in touch with our team today.
