Agricultural and Environmental

The agricultural and environmental sector covers a wide range of job roles associated with food production, animal and land care and water use. A key function is limiting or mitigating the damage caused to our environment. 

The agricultural sector is primarily about growing crops to feed humans and animals. Husbandry is about maintaining livestock. In addition, crops are grown for our pleasure, such as flowers for decoration and grapes to produce wine. These activities occur across a range of establishments: dairies, greenhouses, nurseries, vineyards, orchards, or hatcheries as well as farms.  

The environmental sector carries out activities aimed at protecting the environment and managing our natural resources.  As well as the land, there are our parks, rivers, forests and beaches. 

The agricultural and environmental industries work closely together to balance our economic and national food security needs with our increasing commitments to national and global carbon net zero targets. 

In 2014 -2019 land-based business numbers in East Sussex grew almost twice as fast as in the rest of England. There are increasing numbers of wineries and brewers - some have won awards for sparkling wine in competition with champagne!

The video below gives an overview of the industry:

Work patterns in the agriculture sector range from full-time jobs that work all year to various seasonal roles linked to harvest cycles. There are a broad range of job roles available from entry level positions to very specialist roles that require years of training. A passion for nature and the ability to understand and follow safety rules are key qualities for those wanting to work in the sector.  

Working outside and using tools and machinery is common, but there are plenty of technical jobs indoors as well.  Work patterns in the environmental sector often require specialist subject training and the ability to analyse and interpret data. 

Both the agricultural and environmental sector embrace new technology. The use of robots and sophisticated software is becoming increasingly common so digital skills can be a benefit when looking for certain roles.

These industries welcome new entrants and people looking to change their career. Whether working on improving our food production techniques or protecting our habitats for future generations, the sector welcomes individuals passionate about making a difference.