A Bermudian advocate for local food production is calling for structured career pathways to be developed to attract young people into agriculture, saying the island must do more to make farming a viable long-term profession rather than a side pursuit.

Zayne Sinclair said Bermuda's food security depends on cultivating the next generation of growers, and that education, mentorship and hands-on experience should form the backbone of that effort. He pointed to the need for training opportunities that connect students and school leavers with working farms, arguing that agriculture offers diverse roles beyond the field, from agribusiness and food technology to sustainability and supply chain management.

Bermuda imports the vast majority of its food, a longstanding concern that local farmers have long highlighted. Sinclair said building a pipeline of talent requires collaboration between educators, government and the farming community, with apprenticeships and formal qualifications that give young Bermudians a clear route into the sector. He also stressed the value of land access and modern techniques, including hydroponics and vertical farming, in making the industry attractive to newcomers.

The push comes as community gardens and small-scale growers across the island continue to advocate for greater investment in local food production. Sinclair said his goal is to help young people see agriculture as a respected and rewarding career choice, with opportunities that can grow alongside Bermuda's evolving food landscape.