![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/meet-jerseys-young-people-inspiring-future-farmers/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/130521932_img_2243.jpg&description=Image caption, Anna Houiellebecq and Jamie Ribeiro didn't know anyone in the farming industry before they started their business More than half of the farmers in Jersey are over the age of 50 but a new generation of young farmers are forging careers in the industry. Some of the young people establishing themselves in farming see it as "a lifestyle choice" rather than a job. The Jersey Farmers' Union (JFU) has said it is "passionate" about encouraging young farmers. Research by the JFU showed that 53% of farmers on the island are over the age of 50. President of the JFU, Peter Le Maistre, said: "We've got to get our message across... we've got to say 'look, we've got a vibrant industry, please come and join us'". BBC News has been to meet some people hoping to inspire future farmers. One year ago, Jamie Ribeiro and Anna Houiellebecq knew nothing about agriculture. Now they run an organic vegetable business called Bloom'n Goodness. Mr Ribeiro and Ms Houiellebecq, both aged 23, were planning to leave the island when they spotted the opportunity to buy Greenacres Farm in St Helier. "We'd always had an interest in having our own little small-holding," Ms Houiellebecq said. "We were actually going to purchase somewhere in Portugal... but when we came across this we thought instead of going to Portugal why not do it closer to home, so that's what we're doing. "Jamie always had an interest to grow veg and stuff and I'm a florist and love flowers so being able to grow our own flowers, our own produce here, I think that just made it perfect." The couple said the journey hasn't always been easy but they see farming as a "lifestyle choice, not just a career". Image caption, Anna Houiellebecq and Jamie Ribeiro started Bloom'n Goodness in January "At the very beginning there were a few days when we were like 'why are we doing this' because it was winter time when we first set out and nothing was growing and we were just like 'what are we doing' but now we see it and it's so worth){kind=link}
More than half of the farmers in Jersey are over the age of 50 but a new generation of young farmers are forging careers in the industry.
Some of the young people establishing themselves in farming see it as “a lifestyle choice” rather than a job.
The Jersey Farmers’ Union (JFU) has said it is “passionate” about encouraging young farmers.
Research by the JFU showed that 53% of farmers on the island are over the age of 50.
President of the JFU, Peter Le Maistre, said: “We’ve got to get our message across… we’ve got to say ‘look, we’ve got a vibrant industry, please come and join us'”.