Clare named new president of South of England Agricultural Society for 2015

Clare, who owns Laverstoke Park Farm with her husband Jody, leads the Laverstoke Park Education Centre at the farm, which has helped to introduce food and farming to over 15,000 students from schools, colleges and youth organisations since she started the charity in 2003.

Clare will bring her self-taught knowledge of farming, food production and education to the society.

Michael Lambert, chairman of the South of England Agricultural Society, said: “We are delighted to welcome Clare Scheckter as our society president for 2015 – her experience and remit make her the perfect champion for our theme for the year, which is The Next Generation.”

Throughout 2015, the society will be promoting activities to attract young people into countryside careers by raising awareness of the wide range of opportunities available as well as highlighting and supporting innovation in food, growing and the countryside.

Clare, who will champion the campaign, said: “The future shape and sustainability of Britain’s countryside and rural economy will rely heavily on the imagination, innovation and enterprise of the next generation.

“With more people to feed, less space to grow food and more competition for resources – new thinking, new technology and new ways of working will be crucial to our ability to feed the nation in the future.

“Our chief aims are to celebrate achievement, inspire innovation and empower enterprise of The Next Generation and to support and promote examples and displays of next generation thinkers and achievers across all the areas of the society’s involvement and influence.”

Experts predict a shortfall of 60,000 workers in land-based careers in the next decade, and the society will be working with all its partners, including agricultural colleges, to help raise awareness of the huge choice of jobs available, ranging from high tech, laboratory or office-based jobs to the more traditional outdoor job opportunities.