New skills standards for Crofters and Smallholders

Following an extensive review of the jobs, skills and activities performed by crofters and smallholders, Lantra has announced that new National Occupational Standards are now available to use.

Lantra, the Sector Skills Council supporting farmers and growers, lead the UK-wide project, producing a comprehensive list of skills needed by crofters and smallholders to run their holdings in a competent and effective way. National Occupational Standards (NOS) reflect the diverse nature of crofting and smallholding and the project gave the industry the opportunity to ensure their ways of working were accurately reflected. Willie Fergusson, Lantra’s National Director said: “The Crofting and Smallholding NOS were developed because industry told us new standards were needed. NOS are a great tool to use when running a business as they can be used to identify the skills needed, highlight best practice and identify skills gaps. They can also form the basis of training and qualifications.” Industry representatives from across the UK worked with Lantra to define the content of the Standards. Now Lantra is asking crofters and smallholders to have a look and make use of them. Eleanor Arthur, Chair of the Scottish Crofting Federation said: "This is the culmination of a great deal of work and we are very pleased with the result. Crofters and smallholders tend to be modest about the skills they have and the NOS shows that a great deal of ability is needed to run their business. This will be especially useful for helping our new entrants to identify skills gaps and to source training. The SCF crofting skills training course will be available soon to provide it." ENDS ISSUED BY: Lantra Press Office – Paula Smyth, email: Scotland.media@lantra.co.uk or call 028 7963 1304. NOTES TO EDITOR: National Occupational Standards National Occupational Standards offer a framework for good employment practice in the industry and define the skills, knowledge and experience required to work in the industry. They provide a tool for small and micro businesses, employers, careers advisors and trainers to benchmark and assess what skills are required to do a job. About Lantra • Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries, working to ensure these businesses access the training, qualifications, skills and knowledge they need. • An independent UK organisation, Lantra works with employers and the UK’s governments to address the skills and productivity needs of approximately 230 businesses (one in every ten UK businesses) in: agriculture; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscape and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary nursing. • By working together with the sector, Lantra leads research on skills issues and business needs, sets national standards and develops qualifications to meet modern business needs and help businesses grow through skills. • For more information see www.lantra.co.uk.

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