Gen Z fishing and farming communities form alliance

The young producers are encouraging people to support the Cornish fishing and farming industry

Gen Z food producers in Cornwall have formed an alliance to encourage people to buy local.

The young producers are encouraging people to support the fishing and farming industries by choosing Cornish-caught and grown food.

Cornwall’s Young Farmers and the Young Fishermen Network said they had come together in August to host an event teaching people how to butcher and fillet produce.

The Gen Z producers, born between 1997 and 2012, hoped the partnership would "foster a stronger connection between the two sectors".

Farmer Emily Rodda, 22, said the alliance was needed.

She said: "Whilst our backgrounds differ slightly, we can all relate to our strong passion for the careers we’ve forged from our Cornish landscape.

"Merging the two youth organisations is crucial for the longevity of the craftsmanship that is fishing and farming."

'A mutual respect'

Young Fishermen Network co-ordinator Matilda Phillips, 21, said there was a mutual respect from both sectors.

She said: "Cornwall’s fishermen and farmers work hard to produce food of a very high standard so almost immediately there was a mutual respect amongst everyone as they began learning from each other.

"Hopefully, this alliance will also lead to a greater public understanding of the skill that goes into producing the food on our plates every day."