A new online course has been launched to raise awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues in UK agriculture and land-based industries. The AgDiversity programme, created by Nuffield Farming Scholarships, aims to address the lack of diversity in one of Britain's least diverse sectors.
Tackling a Pressing Issue
Agriculture in the UK faces significant challenges when it comes to diversity, particularly in leadership and management roles. This lack of representation spans various dimensions, including ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation.
One barrier to welcoming more diverse people is a lack of awareness among those in the industry in how to relate to and communicate with people from different backgrounds. There are many people in the rural sectors who might want to reach out but may not know where to start or are afraid of causing offense accidentally. Additionally, new entrants or students from under-represented groups may feel nervous about choosing a farm or other business for work placements.
The new course seeks to break down barriers by increasing awareness and providing tools for better communication with people from different backgrounds.
Navaratnam Partheeban OBE NSch initiated and led the AgDiversity project off the back of his 2021 Nuffield Farming Report.
A Collaborative Effort
The initiative is backed by several prominent organisations, including McDonald's, Harper Adams University, AHDB, and the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust. This broad support underscores the industry's recognition of the need for change.
Course Details
AgDiversity is tailored specifically for those in agricultural, rural, and land-based industries. Priced at £30, it's designed to be accessible to anyone interested in learning more about DEI. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate and can opt to be listed on the AgDiversity Participant Database, a resource for job seekers from underrepresented groups.
Professor Michael Lee, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Harper Adams University, said:
“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!”
Industry Support
The course's launch event featured a panel discussion with diverse voices from the agricultural sector, highlighting the importance of DEI to the industry's future success. Panellists emphasised the course's practical approach and its potential to drive meaningful change. By fostering a more inclusive environment, the AgDiversity programme aims to attract fresh talent and perspectives to UK agriculture, ultimately strengthening the sector as a whole.
To learn more and access AgDiversity, please visit www.nuffieldscholar.org/agdiversity. For inquiries about group bookings, please contact info@nuffieldscholar.org
