[ad_1]
A new online course called AgDiversity has been launched by the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust (NFST) with the aim of increasing diversity in agriculture and breaking down barriers for underrepresented individuals. Sponsored by McDonald’s and Harper Adams University, the course includes interactive activities and short video explainers to challenge farming stereotypes.

The course was created by Nuffield Scholars and officially launched on October 23 after a year of development. NFST chair, Wyn Owen, emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the agricultural industry. The launch event at Romshed Farm in Kent featured DEI advocate Navaratnam Partheeban, who highlighted the need for a more diverse and inclusive industry to foster Innovation and growth.

Statistics show that only 17% of UK farmers are female, with just 1% from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds. The AgDiversity course aims to address these diversity challenges and help individuals recognize their own identity and unconscious bias. It costs £30 to attend, and participants will receive a completion certificate and be added to the online AgDiversity Database, which will serve as a resource for finding placements or work opportunities focused on improving DEI awareness.

The team behind AgDiversity is working on promoting the course on social media and getting it adopted in schools and organizations across the agricultural sector. They are also developing a feature that allows participants to display a “badge” graphic in their email signatures to showcase their completion and encourage others to join. AgDiversity is designed by the sector, for the sector, with a focus on collaboration and inclusivity.

[ad_2]
SOURCE