The greater the challenge, the more diverse the community must be to solve it – the case of the agri‐food system

Abstract

SummaryThis paper examines the significant challenges that the agri‐food industry faces if it is to secure the skilled workforce needed to meet the requirement to massively expand food production across the globe. It highlights the significant role that specialist universities and higher education universities play in identifying, nurturing and equipping people with the knowledge and skills required by industry. It also highlights the complex practical and intellectual challenges the food industry faces in meeting the future food needs of the planet's inhabitants. It argues for the need for better story‐telling and collaboration across universities and industry to inspire more people to see this sector as a destination.