Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Aging population problem for grain industry

Updated at 1:03 pm on 6 August 2010

The grain industry is addressing a generational problem. The Foundation for Arable Research says few young people are coming into the industry, and those that do, are crying out for more information.

Project manager Richard Chynoweth says they have noted that older farmers are not passing on their knowledge to the next generation.

The foundation is holding information workshops for generation 'Y' grain farmers, or those aged under 35 years. Between 20 - 60 young grain farmers are attending these.

Mr Chynoweth says the older generation needs to start giving young farmers a chance to make some decisions, and the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

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