Steve Mclean: We must grow new farmers to protect our food supply Much has been said about the pressures on food supplies. With the annual gathering of Scottish farmers and producers almost upon us at Ingliston for the Royal Highland Show, it is worth considering one aspect of that pressure - the increasing shortage of young people entering the agriculture industry. It is essential to invest in the future of farming and for retailers to work with the agricultural industry to encourage new talent. Over the next 20 years global population is expected to reach 9 billion. Climate change will put increasing pressure on global food production. Reduced oil supplies will increase costs and potentially limit the use of some agricultural inputs. Farmers will need to produce more from less - becoming more efficient and taking more responsibility for the environment while ensuring they meet the highest standards of ethics. Shoppers want quality food produced in an ethical and sustainable way. These undeniable pressures on Britain's farmers may detract potential new talent from entering the industry. But despite these challenges, there are great success stories. Inspiring and developing the next generation of producers is best addressed collaboratively across the supply chain. Encouraging and investing in talent, an appetite for innovation and continued learning benefits everyone from farmer to consumer. The M&S eco and ethical programme, Plan A, sets out how we aim to become the world's most sustainable retailer by 2015. As part of that commitment the M&S Farming of the Future Education Programme was launched at the Royal Highland Show last year. It targets people at different stages in their agricultural career, helping to improve awareness and equip the participants with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to have a successful career in the industry. Investing in farmers of the future will ensure the future of quality food production in the UK. We cannot deliver overnight but it is about long-term commitment to delivering change that will benefit farmers, and deliver security of food supply. Steve Mclean is Marks & Spencer's head of agriculture.