Union launches new event and scholarship programme to improve diversity and inclusion
The NFU has launched an AgriFuture Scholarship Programme at its inaugural Challenge Day, a new event aimed at addressing diversity and inclusion in modern farming.
Hosted at the University of Birmingham’s STEAMhouse innovation hub and supported by NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, the Challenge Day brought together more than 70 stakeholders from the farming, education and food sectors to collaborate on solutions to attract and support those from ethnically diverse communities into agriculture.
The day offered an active reflection and learning experience with the goal of creating a manifesto by the end. This document will outline practical steps to increase racial diversity in agriculture, ensuring the sector can attract and retain the best talent, according to the union.
The AgriFuture Scholarship Programme, launched by NFU Education in partnership with the Outward Bound Trust, is aimed at improving diversity and inclusion within British agriculture by inspiring and supporting young people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in farming.
The programme is described as a long-term, bespoke programme that includes mentoring, residential experiences and work placements, and takes place from place 18-22 August 2025
At the event, keynote speakers included NFU vice president Rachel Hallos, who reflected on the sector changes needed to ensure it attracts the best young people to its talent pool, regardless of their background.
British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society co-founder and Nuffield scholar Navaratnam Partheeban offered insights into his lived experiences as a vet and advocate for inclusivity.
Food writer and presenter Mallika Basu highlighted the economic and social benefits of inclusivity in agriculture, while BAMEed representative Kulvinder Johal addressed barriers faced by young people, particularly from ethnic minority backgrounds.
‘Least ethnically diverse sector’
Hallos said: “Better reflecting the diversity of the UK population isn’t just the right thing to do for agriculture, it’s essential to its future. Agriculture is facing unprecedented pressures, accelerated by increasing and widespread skills shortages.
“As the least ethnically diverse sector in the UK, there is an urgent need to unlock its full potential by embracing and including talent from all walks of life. The Challenge Day represents a unique opportunity to bring stakeholders together to create meaningful, lasting change.
“NFU Education is also proud to launch the AgriFuture Scholarship Programme – our commitment to improving diversity in agriculture and showcasing the many exciting career opportunities farming offers firsthand to schoolchildren by providing participants with hands-on experiences, industry insights and mentoring to build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in agriculture.
“By addressing barriers and working collaboratively, we can ensure agriculture remains a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive industry for generations to come.”
