The annual WineGB conference was recently hosted at AgriFood Centre at Plumpton College. Delegates heard from a range of speakers, including Sam Linter, director of the College’s Wine Division and Chair of WineGB and also welcomed the Rt Hon Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who announced the ‘Future Winemakers’ Scheme’ – a £1.5m scheme to support the wine industry with its continuous rapid growth.
Recognising that wine is the fastest growing sector of agriculture in the UK. worth well over £10b a year, the funding will be targeted at educating, training and upskilling, as businesses estimate thousands of new vineyard jobs will be created over the coming years. Additionally funding will also go towards delivering new courses at Plumpton College.
Jeremy Kerswell, Principal, commented; ‘Plumpton College will work closely with WineGB and the wine industry nationally to provide innovative, demand led education and training to enable the future growth and success of the industry.’
Sam Linter, Director of Plumpton Wine Division, commented; ‘We look towards the future of the UK wine industry, empowering the next generation of winemakers is not just an investment in individuals, but a strategic move towards driving innovation and sustainable growth within the sector. By prioritising training and development initiatives, we are nurturing a talent pipeline that will shape the landscape of British winemaking, elevate quality standards, and reinforce the UK’s position as a key player in the global wine market.’