AGRICULTURAL students had the chance to voice their views and ask questions about their studies to industry professionals on Friday.

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman and Stuart Roberts, vice-president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), met with agricultural and environmental students at Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall campus in an open debate which covered course satisfaction and industry experience.

Chairwoman of governors at the college Jacqui Henderson said: “Northumberland College provides courses from entry level to honours degree and students are involved in a wide array of projects, from animal care to environmental projects.

“This event was a welcome opportunity to showcase the vital role education and training plays in the agricultural sector and to hear students’ views.”

As part of developing the local land-based economy, the Kirkley Hall campus aims to be at the centre of the agricultural industry with new equipment and facilities.

The college offers courses, in farming, gamekeeping and horticulture. Mr Roberts said: “We are living through the most influential times, where farmers face some huge uncertainty. Younger farmers are key to the industry.”

College principal Ian Clinton said: “Only three per cent of UK farmers are under the age of 35, and 30 per cent are 65 or older, so the younger generation really are key.”

Agriculture employs nearly 500,000 people in the UK and is a key part of the food and drink industry, which contributes £112bn to the economy.

Agriculture also accounts for over 70 per cent of land use in the UK.