Adam Henson, one of Britain’s best-known farmers, has called for the introduction of a GCSE in agriculture.

The presenter of BBC’s Countryfile told The Times: “You can get a GCSE in religious studies and business, so why not in agriculture?”

Mr Henson said he hoped to “do for farms what Rick Stein has done for fish”, and make farming a permanent subject on the school curriculum.

Recent figures by UCAS even shows agriculture at degree level is starting to gain popularity. Higher education courses in the agriculture, horticulture and animal care sector rose by 117 per cent.

David Willett, director of corporate sales at the Open University, said that of the 1.2 million certificates awarded in 2017, the largest increase was seen in the number of vocational-related qualifications.

Mr Willett said: “We are witnessing a shift – bright young people are making intelligent choices.”