A new online course called 'AgDiversity' has been introduced to promote awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within British agriculture.

The course, priced at £30, is designed for professionals in agriculture, rural and land-based sectors.

Participants who complete the AgDiversity course will earn a certificate and can opt to be listed in the AgDiversity Participant Database.

The database, hosted on the Nuffield Farming website, will help students, job seekers and others connect with farms committed to DEI awareness.

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The course is an initiative of Nuffield Farming Scholarships and has received sponsorship from several organisations, including Harper Adams, McDonald's and AHDB.

Agriculture is among the UK's least diverse industries in terms of ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation, particularly in leadership and management roles.

According to the organisations involved, this lack of diversity poses significant challenges for the sector, especially in terms of recruitment and public relations.

One major hurdle in attracting a more diverse workforce is the industry's limited understanding of how to engage and communicate with individuals from various backgrounds.

Many within the rural sector are willing to engage with people from different backgrounds but may be unsure of how to begin or are concerned about unintentionally causing offence, the groups suggest.

Additionally, students or newcomers from under-represented groups may feel apprehensive about choosing a farm or business for work placements.

Wyn Owen, chair of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, shared that a group of Nuffield Farming Scholars recognised the need for action on this issue.

He said their goal was to provide a platform for farmers and rural communities to deepen their understanding of DEI.

Owen stated: "A proposal for the project was presented to the director and trustees, who gave their full support, and AgDiversity was born."

"This is Nuffield Farming at its absolute best, with our scholars taking the lead and creating positive change in agriculture, and I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved in the trust’s name.”

Professor Michael Lee, deputy vice-chancellor of Harper Adams, emphasised that a more diverse food and farming sector would result in a 'stronger' industry.

He said: "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."