AgDiversity has been set up to help facilitate change in one of the least diverse UK industries
A new online learning course aiming to raise awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues in UK agriculture has been launched by Nuffield Farming Scholarships.
AgDiversity is a bespoke course created specifically for those involved in agricultural, rural and land-based industries. It is open to anyone wishing to learn more about DEI for a fee of £30, which is said to be the lowest cost of any openly available course of its kind.
Sponsored by McDonald’s and The School of Sustainable Food & Farming at Harper Adams University, the programme is also being supported by AHDB and the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust.
Lack of diversity in farming
Agriculture is one of the least diverse industries in the UK, including ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation and especially in leadership and management roles. This presents a series of challenges for the industry, most notably when it comes to recruitment and relations with the wider public.
One barrier to welcoming more diverse people is a lack of awareness among those in the industry in how to relate to and communicate with people from different backgrounds, according to Nuffield.
There are many people in the rural sectors who might want to reach out but may not know where to start or are afraid of causing offense accidentally, it added. Additionally, new entrants or students from under-represented groups may feel nervous about choosing a farm or other business for work placements.
“A small group of Nuffield Farming Scholars wanted to take action on this important issue and create an opportunity for fellow farmers and rural community members to further their own understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion,” explained Wyn Owen, chair of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.
“A proposal for the project was presented to the director and trustees, who gave their full support, and AgDiversity was born. This is Nuffield Farming at its absolute best, with our scholars taking the lead and creating positive change in agriculture, and I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved in the trust’s name.”
Panel discussion
The course was launched on 23 October with a panel discussing diversity and inclusion in agriculture, the need for better understanding, and the importance of the issue to the industry’s future success.
Panellists included DEI advocate and farm vet Navaratnam Partheeban, organic mixed farmer Polly Davies, farmer and AgRespect member Micky Wright, Paralympian Kendra Hall, and farmer and co-founder of Inclusive Farm Mike Duxbury. The session was chaired by Alex Hardie from the School of Sustainable Food and Farming.
The event was held in a 16th century barn at Romshed Farm which also serves as a host farm for The Country Trust, providing underprivileged children with access to food, farming and the countryside.
