Farm scheme for disabled students aims to expand to Scotland

A Bedfordshire farm initiative that helps young people with disabilities gain on-farm experience is aiming to expand the project to Scotland.

Inclusive Farm invites local students with disabilities to visit the farm each week to learn skills to help them pursue a career in the sector.

Mike Duxbury, a blind farmer, co-founded Inclusive Farm with Ness Shillito in 2021. He is now looking for partners to help support the project as plans get underway to open a second site in Scotland and 

See also: Blind farmer creates route into farming for disabled students

Mr Duxbury said: “Ninety per cent of blind people, and 78% of autistic people, are unemployed – but it doesn’t have to be like this.

“We’re seeing first-hand the impact of providing skills, such as animal husbandry, has had on the young people visiting Inclusive Farm.

“We now have the opportunity to achieve this in Scotland and we want young people to be in the driving seat.”

There are also further plans to expand across the UK and to open farms in Wales and Northern Ireland in the future.

Scottish scientist and agricultural researcher Dr Jenna Ross said: “Labour is one of the biggest issues plaguing our industry, but there is a demographic that is constantly overlooked.

“A golden opportunity is now available for partners to come forward and help be part of a project which is pioneering an inclusive approach to agriculture.”

Businesses and individuals who are interested in helping to support or be involved in the project can contact Mr Duxbury at info@inclusivefarm.co.uk