500 people in agriculture in Örebro county will retire in the next five years. But who should take over after them? At LRF in Örebro, people are worried about the future and that so few young people choose to study in agriculture and nature.

Per Willén wants the farmers in the county to participate in and discuss the future of agricultural education. Photo: Johannes Weckström / SVT

- It is a real threat that there is no trained workforce for the county's future industry, says Per Willén, chairman of LRF Örebro.

Would like to have a more modern education

The LRF is also concerned that the only education in nature farming that is on Kvinnersta may no longer hold up. Year after year, the student base has been declining and at Örebro municipality people have been trying to offer slightly different directions - without success.

- You may not stare blindly at the fact that the education available at Kvinnersta is the only thing. We would love to see a more modern education or some kind of apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship would provide access to modern technology, machinery and working methods.

- A high school education cannot afford to constantly buy the latest. On the other hand, agriculture is renewed to a greater extent and then you get a chance to learn modern technology.

Welcomes students

Per Willén is keen on the industry being able to participate and influence. He has therefore written an open letter to the County Administrative Board, the Region and the municipalities in Örebro county.

- Among LRF's members there is a great desire to receive apprentices or other trainees and to help. But before deciding on the nature education programs in the county, we want to join in and have a conversation about the future.