The AgriFuture Scholarship Programme, launched by NFU Education in partnership with the Outward Bound Trust, is a bold initiative aimed at improving diversity and inclusion within British agriculture by inspiring and supporting young people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in farming.
It is a long term, bespoke programme that includes mentoring, residential experiences and work placements, taking place 18-22 August 2025.
Applications open for the AgriFuture Scholarship Programme Monday 10 February, with successful applicants informed at the beginning of June.
Groundbreaking Challenge Day
Hosted at the University of Birmingham’s STEAMhouse innovation hub and supported by NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, the Challenge Day brought together more than 70 stakeholders from the farming, education and food sectors to collaborate on solutions to attract and support those from ethnically diverse communities into agriculture.
The day offered delegates an active reflection and learning experience with the goal of creating a manifesto by the end of the event. This document will outline practical steps to increase racial diversity in agriculture, ensuring the sector can attract and retain the best talent.
Keynote speakers included:
- NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos, who reflected on the sector changes needed to ensure it attracts the best young people to our talent pool, regardless of their background.
- British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society co-founder and Nuffield Scholar Navaratnam Partheeban, who offered insights into his lived experiences as a vet and advocate for inclusivity.
- Food writer and presenter Mallika Basu, who highlighted the economic and social benefits of inclusivity in agriculture.
- BAMEed representative Kulvinder Johal, who addressed barriers faced by young people, particularly from ethnic minority backgrounds.
“By addressing barriers and working collaboratively, we can ensure agriculture remains a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive industry for generations to come.”
NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos
Essential to the future of agriculture
NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said: “Better reflecting the diversity of the UK population isn’t just the right thing to do for agriculture, it’s essential to its future.
“Agriculture is facing unprecedented pressures, accelerated by increasing and widespread skills shortages. As the least ethnically diverse sector in the UK, there is an urgent need to unlock its full potential by embracing and including talent from all walks of life. The Challenge Day represents a unique opportunity to bring stakeholders together to create meaningful, lasting change.
“NFU Education is also proud to launch the AgriFuture Scholarship Programme – our commitment to improving diversity in agriculture and showcasing the many exciting career opportunities farming offers firsthand to schoolchildren by providing participants with hands-on experiences, industry insights and mentoring to build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in agriculture.
“By addressing barriers and working collaboratively, we can ensure agriculture remains a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive industry for generations to come.”
The start of a movement
Navaratnam Partheeban said: “Ensuring the sector gets the recognition and support it deserves is crucial. We’re not only highlighting the need for greater diversity but also working together to find meaningful solutions.
“This initiative creates space for voices that are often unheard, bringing in new perspectives and driving real change. By working collaboratively, we can build a more inclusive sector that reflects and benefits everyone.”
Mallika Basu said: “The food we enjoy every day is shaped by a rich mix of cultures, ingredients and traditions from around the world. A career in agriculture is an exciting way to celebrate this diversity – not just in what we grow, but in who shapes the future of farming.
“It’s also a sector at the heart of health, sustainability and innovation, all of which have long been valued by racially and ethnically diverse communities. This initiative is about turning words into action, ensuring the sector benefits from fresh perspectives while opening doors for new talent to make a lasting impact.”
Kulvinder Johal said: “How we view careers in agriculture has a direct impact on who enters the industry. It’s essential to highlight the many routes into the sector and raise awareness of the opportunities that exist.
“Often, people simply aren’t aware of what careers in agriculture can offer. From science and technology to food production and environmental sustainability, the sector is full of possibilities.
“By expanding these perceptions, we can inspire new generations to explore the sector and ensure a more inclusive future.”
