The forum saw the NFU work in close collaboration with the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society and the Culture Roots Collective to deliver the sold-out event in Westminster.
The event was part of the NFU’s commitment to creating a racially diverse agriculture sector that represents the national population, fosters belonging and harnesses the power of diverse thought and experience.
Following the success of the AgriFuture Challenge Day in January, the forum was an opportunity for those working in the agriculture, veterinary and environmental sectors to learn from those with lived experience, cross-sector insights and academic expertise.
The event included a diverse range of talks, panel discussions and research presentations.
“By tackling barriers and working collaboratively, we can ensure agriculture remains a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive industry for generations to come.”
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos
“Better reflecting the diversity of the UK population isn’t just the right thing to do for agriculture – it’s essential to its future,” was the message from NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos following the landmark event.
Inspirational speakers
Talks included an address from Navaratnam Partheeban OBE, co-founder of the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society and the Culture Roots Collective and regional head of farming at IVC Evidensia, who covered the historical and social context of the day.
President of the National Black Police Association Andrew George gave a moving speech about the parallels between agriculture and policing and the importance of diversity in policing.
Roshni Shah, representing Sustain, introduced the Culture Roots Collective, a new online hub, dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black and People of Colour in UK food and farming. The hub will celebrate, inform, and connect individuals passionate about sustainable food systems, farming, and cultural food heritage.
David Villa-Clarke, CEO of the Aleto Foundation, gave an inspiring talk about the work of his charity and the impact it has made on the lives of underprivileged young people in the UK.
The panel discussion, ‘Every Child's Voice: Engaging and Empowering Racially Marginalised Young People’, brought together Nisbah Hussain, founder of the Muslim Youth Alliance; President of Animal Aspirations Lharanya Somasundaram; and Francisca Rockey, founder of Black Geographers, for a rich discussion that centred around the importance of role models for creating a feeling of belonging within a sector.
Hear from speaker Andy George, President of the National Black Police Association.
NFU member and soft fruit grower Bal Padda, Gnisha Bevan, co-founder of the Black Seeds Environmental Justice Network, ecological storyteller and filmmaker Lillie Aissa, and Shayk Mohammed Mahmoud OBE, a leading Islamic scholar and representative of Prophetic Path, came together to discuss the topic of ‘Listening, Learning, Acting: Pathways to Inclusive Engagement’.
The panel shared insights and inspiration from their projects that are making a real change in communities.
David Villa-Clarke, Andrew George, Navaratnam Partheeban and Roshni Shah
Finally, the research sessions included findings from the RACE report, examining the racial diversity gap between the UK working population and staff in environment, conservation, climate and sustainability charities.
Dr Nicola Scott, professional researcher, food/farming project manager and grassroots advocate, shared findings from the Pathways to Land report, exploring barriers that farmers, new entrants and community food organisers from racially marginalised communities experience in accessing land and finance in the sector.
Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial's Early Career Researcher Institute Victoria Crossley presented compelling research entitled “It shreds me from within”, a thematic analysis of the impact of racism on veterinary professionals and students in the United Kingdom.
L-R Shayk Mohammed Mahmoud OBE, Francisca Rockey, Lharanya Somasundaram and Dr Nicola Scott
‘Normalising difference’
Co-organiser and speaker Navaratnam Partheeban went into the event hoping that attendees would be able to have an open and frank discussion about important issues, and they achieved just that.
The “uniqueness” of the space, as Partheeban described it, proved to be its greatest strength. “Attendees were really engaged because there was a lot of diverse speakers and a lot of diverse topics discussed, which was refreshing to the audience.
“It’s about creating a sector that looks after the people within it already and is welcoming for the people who aren’t.”
Co-organiser and speaker Navaratnam Partheeban
“We're starting to address a lot of underrepresentation and marginalisation within our sector and rather than pretend it doesn't exist, we're facing it head on.
“Ultimately, it's about creating a sector that looks after the people within it already and is welcoming for the people who aren't, who are our future supporters and workforce.
“What I came away with is that it doesn't matter what sector you're in, the challenges are very similar, but there is a want to be a part of and to grow the sector, despite the barriers that people face. So it's up to everyone within the sector to try and break them down.”
To Partheeban, events like these normalise difference and exemplify the unity, networking and cooperation needed to change the sector.
He added: “It's reflecting the country we live in rather than having a sector that's an outlier. We’re actually bringing agriculture into the main fold and trying to make it something that anyone and everyone can see themselves in and be part of.”
‘Untapped potential’
This was a groundbreaking event in UK agriculture with more than 90% of the speakers being from racially marginalised communities and represented the NFU’s commitment to centre the voices of those with lived experience in its work to improve the diversity of the sector.
Following the event, NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “As the least ethnically diverse sector in the UK, we know there’s untapped potential and real appetite for change. That’s why we launched our first AgriFuture residential programme this summer for young people from racially marginalised communities.
“Better reflecting the diversity of the UK population isn’t just the right thing to do for agriculture – it’s essential to its future.”
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos
“Through hands-on learning, mentoring and industry insight, we’re helping the next generation see themselves in farming and build the skills and confidence to thrive.
“The recent AgriFuture forum stakeholder event was a powerful way to continue the conversation and launch our AgriFuture Pledge – a commitment to lasting change, sector-wide education and listening to voices that have too often been overlooked.”
“By tackling barriers and working collaboratively, we can ensure agriculture remains a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive industry for generations to come.”
More details on the pledge, a commitment to the next generation and a roadmap for how to move forward as a sector, will be announced soon.
Speakers and attendees of the AgriFuture forum
