CPD in the Agriculture & Veterinary sector

Overview of the Agriculture & Veterinary Industry

At June 2012 the Utilised Agricultural Area (UAA) was 17.2 million hectares, making up 70 per cent of the total United Kingdom land area. In the UK there are approximately 300,000 active farms with an average size of around 57 hectares. The total farming labour force of 534,000 in 2006 had been broadly stable over the previous five years but was down 80,000 on a decade earlier (www.gov.uk). The veterinary sector is predominantly a science-based profession. The health and welfare of the 20 million pets in the UK is dependent on solid veterinary research & development, and the health and productivity of the more than 36 million of UK breeding stock relies on the expertise of the veterinary sector. 

CPD in the Agriculture & Veterinary Industry

Whilst CPD has always been extremely prevalent in the veterinary field, CPD is now becoming increasingly widespread across all areas of the agriculture sector. Accrediting organisations in the arable, pig, poultry and dairy sectors have been set up to promote and encourage professional standards in farming, and encourage the uptake of Continuing Professional Development. In 2011, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Advanced Training Partnerships (ATPs) were developed to provide professional development in the area of agriculture and food production for a large number of industry specialists across the UK. Collaboration between training providers and industry partners aims to ensure that high level skills relevant to crops, livestock and food are employed throughout the sector. This development helps to ensure that research done by highly skilled scientists can benefit farmers by being translated into new technologies, practices and advice.

CPD for Vets / Veterinary Surgeons

CPD is a personal obligation of all responsible vets & veterinary surgeons and should be seen as the continuous progression of capability and competence. The recommended minimum CPD completed by a veterinary surgeon is 105 hours over a rolling three year period, averaging at 35 hours per year. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons states “There is more to CPD than undertaking a Certificate or Diploma. CPD is much broader than veterinary medicine and surgery. CPD that is relevant and of benefit to any aspect of a veterinary surgeon’s professional life may be considered to be appropriate and recordable CPD. For example, practice and other management skills, stress management and communication skills are as important as other forms of CPD that relate more directly to veterinary medicine and surgery.” 

CPD for Veterinary Nurses

Veterinary Nurses are obliged to maintain and continue to develop their professional knowledge and skills. Continuing Professional Development is mandatory for all registered veterinary nurses. The required minimum CPD is 45 hours in any three-year period with an average of 15 hours per year.

CPD for Agriculture Professionals

Agricultural professionals are now expected to commit to a programme of Continuing Professional Development so that they stay up-to-date with all the latest developments Members of the National Register of Sprayer Operators are required to collect 30 or more CPD points in each three-year period to qualify for membership renewal Members of the Pig Industry Professional Register are required to achieve a minimum of 60 CPD points during their three year term of membership.