Diversity & Inclusivity

42% of young people do not believe that farming and food-related careers are accessible for people who do not own land

84% of young people believe that the agri-food industry celebrates diversity through food culture and diverse products available through retailers and brands

66% of young people believe that buying local does not represent all communities

67% of young people think that supermarkets and brands represent diverse food options

52% of young people would like to learn more about how to enter the agri-food industry

Is the food and farming industry a welcoming industry to new entrants from diverse communities? 62% - Yes

Areas of Scotland, Wales, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, London and NorthWest England are much more positive with some areas in those regions reaching 75% positive (Yes) response.

North-West England overall is aligned with the average though it is notable some areas such as York and Hull are much lower at 55%. Equally South-West England and South-East England (minus London) are 55% and 59% positive (Yes).

When broken-down by ethnicity the responses to this question:

66% of mixed / multiple ethnic groups - Yes

65% Asian - Yes

62% White - Yes

62% other ethnic groups - Yes

57% Black – Yes

Comments:

‘Yes’ broadly aligned to:

“Brands and supermarkets look for diverse voice to increase / improve their products.”

• “Farmers produce for diverse communities”

• “Welcoming for all and anyone as they don’t have enough people entering”

‘No’ broadly aligned to:

• “Cannot enter the industry because I don’t own land”

“Farms are passed down in generations and my family don’t have a farm”

• “Practically how can I be welcomed, don’t know how to enter the industry”

Looking at the misconceptions around the academic level of those who are more likely to enter the agri-food industry,we asked the following questions:

The key subjects that agriculture links to (almost half of respondents selected these subjects):

1. Environmental Science

2. Biology

3. Food Preparation and Nutrition

4. Chemistry

5. Engineering

More work to be done on improving the understanding between the agricultural industry and technology, maths and business studies and computer science (all below 15%).

Qualifications that young people believe you need to enter the agricultural industry (rank order):

1. GCSEs

2. A combination of qualifications

3. No qualifications needed

4. Apprenticeships

5. A Levels

6. Degree Level

Less than 2 in 10 young people thought you did not need any qualifications to join the agricultural industry.

Comments highlighted the fact that the industry is seen as welcoming to all abilities, with a

Young people were also questioned specifically whether farmers are likely to have a degree - 52% believed that farmers do.

65% career in agriculture is very diverse in the skills needed and the types of learners and abilities that can enter our industry.

77% of young people stated that they believe farming is a very technical and highly skilled job.

76% agricultural degree would give them a wide range of transferable skills and broad knowledge base.

82% of young people still felt that they need help in understanding the practical steps of how to have a career in the agri-food industry.

From the residential held at Harper Adams University some questions and comments were raised:

How can I go to Harper Adams university? What qualifications do I need?

How do small businesses get funding for a business idea in the agri-food industry, when they are not already from it?

• I really enjoyed staying in the accommodation and university was not something I would have ever thought about, having this experience has made me think that it could be for me, someone from Birmingham who has not been too far from the city before.

• I felt that in the workshops more people of colour should be included in presenting as it made me feel out of place at times and it would be good to hear from voices around the world.