DUCHY College is set to receive a cash grant of £50,000 from the Prince’s Countryside Fund to inspire young people.

The grant will be used to continue the college’s ‘Nurturing Excellence’ programme, which encourages young people to explore careers in food and farming through food ambassadors, school activities, internships and apprenticeships.

Programme co-ordinator for Nurturing Excellence Angie Shepherd said: ‘The Food and Drink Federation estimates that 109,000 new recruits to the food industry are needed by 2022. Food and farming are incredibly important for creating future growth in Cornwall, so it’s great news that 1,300 young people will benefit from this school engagement, internships and apprenticeships in the industry.’

The Nurturing Excellence programme project will be delivered by leading food and farming sector employers across Devon and Cornwall working in partnership with Duchy College. The project aims to engage over 1,300 young people in activities designed to progress individuals into local, sustainable jobs within the food and farming industry.

The programme will help to develop and deliver four industry focused programmes designed to equip young people with the skills, aptitudes and ambitions to meet local employer needs contributing to the sustainability of the rural community.

Angie added: ‘There are lots of exciting opportunities in the food and farming industry and we hope, through our internships, industry ambassadors, apprenticeships and courses, we can inspire the next generation.’

Director of the Prince’s Countryside Fund Claire Saunders said: ‘Encouraging young people to consider a career in the countryside is vital to keeping our rural economy on track and thriving. It’s imperative we support new recruits to the food and farming industry to ensure we all have a vibrant and vital future.’