Nuffield Farming Scholarships launch their AgDiversity course

Nuffield Farming Scholarships have recently launched their brand new AgDiversity course aiming to raise awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues in UK agriculture. This 1-hour online course, sponsored by McDonalds, and The School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University and supported by AHDB and the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust has been created to take action, and facilitate a more inclusive sector.

In the United Kingdom, Agriculture is one of the least diverse industries, including ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation, which presents challenges for the future of the industry, particularly in relation to recruitment and building relations with the wider public.

One major barrier to welcoming more diverse people into the agricultural industry is a lack of awareness among those already working within agriculture in how to relate and communicate with people from different backgrounds. Although many people in the rural sectors might want to reach out but they may not know where to start. Alongside this, new entrants, or students from under-represented groups may feel nervous about choosing a farm or other agricultural business for work or placements.

Professor Michael Lee, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Harper Adams University says:

“A more diverse food and farming sector is a stronger food and farming sector. Bringing new faces and fresh thinking into the industry can only be a good thing, and it’s something which drives the work of both the School of Sustainable Food and Farming and Harper Adams University more widely. With that in mind, it is great to see this new course launched by Nuffield Farming Scholarships – and we’re delighted to lend our support!”

AgDiversity was designed to bridge these gaps and provide a starting point for those involved in agricultural, rural and land based industries wanting to know more about Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. Once completed, course participants and farm veterinary practices can choose to be added to the AgDiversity Participant Database, available to students and job seekers identifying farms and businesses that are taking an active role in Diversity, Equality and Inclusion awareness.

To find out more and access the AgDiversity course please visit www.nuffieldscholar.org/agdiversity or email [email protected]