Online course launches to boost diversity in UK agriculture

Increasing diversity in agriculture and breaking down barriers for underrepresented individuals are the key aims of a new online course launched by the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust (NFST).

Named AgDiversity, the 60-minute course includes interactive activities and short video explainers, encouraging participants to challenge farming stereotypes.

See also: Oxford Farming Conference champions youth and diversity

Sponsored by McDonald’s and Harper Adams University, AgDiversity was created by Nuffield Scholars and launched on Wednesday 23 October after a year of development.

Wyn Owen, chair of the NFST, said: “A small group of Nuffield Farming Scholars wanted to take action on this important issue and create an opportunity for fellow farmers to further their understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).”

Launch event

Addressing the launch event at Romshed Farm, Kent, DEI advocate Navaratnam Partheeban said: “We live in such a diverse country, yet it’s a shame that this diversity isn’t reflected in agriculture.

“If we want to flourish, we need a diverse and inclusive industry. With diverse people comes diversity of ideas.”

According to Office for National Statistics data, 17% of UK farmers are female, but only 1% are from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds.

In a 2021 Nuffield Farming report Mr Partheeban said: “Estimates of the numbers of BPOC (Black and People of Colour) people vary between 0.8-1.2% in UK agriculture, in a country where they are estimated to make up 17% of the general population and 33% of all children.”

Mr Partheeban explained that the course addresses these diversity challenges and helps individuals recognise their own identity and how it might play into unconscious bias.

“Many farmers want to learn about these issues, but don’t know where to find information. This course is tailored to the agricultural industry and makes learning accessible,” he said.

Organic farmer Polly Davies added: “It’s specifically designed for the agricultural industry. I would highly recommend that everyone complete AgDiversity. It’s so well-written and agriculturally focused that anyone can gain from it.”

Database

The course costs £30 to attend, and participants will receive a completion certificate and be added to the online AgDiversity Database.

The database plans to serve as a resource for individuals looking for placements or work opportunities where steps have been taken to improve awareness and understanding of DEI. 

Looking ahead, AgDiversity hope the course will gain traction on social media and be adopted in schools and organisations across the sector.

“This course is by the sector, for the sector. We want it to reach everyone in the industry. It’s all about collaboration,” Mr Partheeban said.

The team is also developing a feature allowing participants to display a “badge” graphic in their email signatures to showcase their completion and encourage others to follow suit.