Researcher to cycle across England to hear women in farming

A PhD student from the University of Exeter is embarking on a cycling tour to hear the voices of women in farming across England.

During the 1,200-mile journey she will gather their hopes, concerns, and ideas for the future of food and agriculture.

Veronica White’s research aims to explore how women in farming perceive agriculture, a sector often dominated by male perspectives, while raising money for the Farming Community Network (FCN).

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“Women in the UK cycle a lot less than men, and farming is male-dominated – so I aim to highlight the role of women in both these areas,” she said.

Setting off from Land’s End on 12 April, as Ms White travels, she will spend several days at each stop, meeting women involved in farming to gather diverse perspectives.

The research is designed to challenge the historical focus on male visions for the future of farming.

Route of the cycling tour © Veronica White

“I’m curious to speak with women about how they view the future of farming and food production,” she said.

Ms White, who grew up in the Netherlands and now lives in the UK, has for years used a bike to get from A to B.

“I don’t drive, so cycling is my main mode of transport – and of course, it’s also a low-carbon, sustainable way to travel, which is important to me.

“By cycling, I will see and experience the farming landscapes I ride through – I will feel the hills in my legs, and experience the seasons as they shift.”

“I know that this cycle tour is not going to be easy. It will, most likely, be the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Ms White added.

“But isn’t that what they say about doing a PhD, too? Nobody starts a PhD thinking it’s going to be easy – so why not throw a 1,200-mile cycle ride into the mix!”

To learn more, visit the Farming Futures Cycle Tour website, where updates on Ms White’s journey will be shared.

To support the FCN, donate funds via the JustGiving page.