MP in fact-finding mission to Duchy College Stoke Climsland

A senior politician with strong links to the farming industry has visited a leading agricultural college to see how local employment needs are being met. 

The Hon Robbie Moore MP, who had a strong farming background before beginning his career in government, is leading a report that will look at how land-based colleges are providing the skills that future employees will need. 

Mr Moore has visited colleges across the country as part of his research and this week attended Duchy College Stoke Climsland, which has recently opened ‘Future Farm’ – a one-of-a-kind research and teaching facility which is also a working farm. 

The report, which will only be seen by those within government, will also attempt to identify any areas in which those in Westminster can better support colleges in future. 

During his visit he toured the multi-million-pound specialist facilities at Duchy College, part of The Cornwall College Group, that students from across the country use as part of their studies in agriculture, animal management, equine and more. 

Robin Jackson, director of Duchy College’s Rural Business School, commented: “It was great to host a fact-finding mission from the government here at Duchy College.  

“We discussed the critical role of land-based education in our region – economically, socially and environmentally. We also thought about the challenges and opportunities for our region, and how the land-base can be part of the solution to climate and environmental emergencies.  

“It is great to be working with the government in this way so that institutions like ours can be at the forefront of positive change”. 

Head of campus for Duchy College Stoke Climsland, Jamie Crisp, added: “I was really grateful to have the opportunity to meet Robbie Moore MP and share our perspective on what measures could be put in place by government to improve the national offer to students that will meet the requirements of industry employers.” 

Mr Moore himself is from a family of farmers in Lincolnshire, who still run an arable farm.  

He was formerly a Chartered Rural Surveyor before entering Parliament and has also completed a Nuffield Farming Scholarship.