Diversity and Inclusivity

Young people generally perceive the agri-food industry as welcoming and diverse. However, some believe that owning land is a prerequisite for entering the industry, creating a misconception that it is insular. A small number held the view that buying local does not represent all communities, making it difficult for some to participate in the conscious consumer movement. Young people understand that the agri-food industry is global and that global perspectives should be represented within the sector, both in-school and through wider on-farm experiences.

Next Steps:

Provide practical steps and guides on how to enter the industry and reinforce the key message, that the industry is open to everyone.

Develop a National Competition for 16-18-year-olds, offering various avenues for entering the industry including apprenticeships and university programmes, for aspiring entrants without owning land or prior family farming experience. This builds on the hugely successful LEAF National Competition for 14–16-year-olds where in 2022, 66% of finalists then went on to apply for or attend land-based colleges and universities.

Promote voices from around the world and from within diverse communities, responsible for supplying the UK market with their produce.