THE National Farmers Union in Hertfordshire needs to work harder to attract more young recruits into agriculture, according to its new chairman.

Speaking after his election to the post on Sunday, Mr Andrew Watts outlined what he hopes to achieve in the position and said more needed to be done to encourage young people to join the industry.

Mr Watts, 40, went straight into farming after university, but believes it is a much less attractive option today.

He said: "If I was leaving school now I would find it a much more difficult decision whether or not to go into farming.

"It is a worthwhile and rewarding career, there is no doubt about it, but anybody going into agriculture now would have to have very clear ideas about why they are doing it."

He believes farming has an interest for children that should be used to greater advantage.

He said: "Farming still has a precious advantage over other industries - it is attractive to children with tractors, animals and so on.

"We need to be harnessing that and encouraging them to develop that interest.

"At the very least, children will then go on to develop a better understanding of farming and where their food comes from."

Other issues Mr Watts believes are crucial to the future of farming in the county include stressing farmers role in caring for the countryside and fighting rural crime.

As vice-chairman of the union Mr Watts held meetings with Chief Constable of Hertfordshire police, Paul Acres, and wants to continue these links.