Youth perspectives research on sustainable food and farming careers

The current UK sustainable food sector lacks adequate knowledge and presence of young people from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. To understand the barriers they face and to support the development of diversity and inclusion in the sector, Sustain and Roots to Work has launched a short-term research project. The research consists of a survey aimed at 16 to 30-year-olds on the sustainable food sector (deadline Sunday 31 June 2024) and a focus group with the same target group on Monday 24 June 2024. 

Why do we need to diversify the workforce?

By increasing representation, we can:

• Develop more culturally inclusive food systems that cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences.
• Embrace innovative solutions informed by diverse knowledge and traditional practices.
• Create a more equitable food industry that reflects the communities it serves.

Addressing these problems is crucial for several reasons:

Diversity and innovation: Diverse perspectives are essential for innovation in sustainable food and farming. Minority ethnic young people bring unique cultural insights and experiences that can lead to creative solutions for global food and environmental challenges.

Social equity: Ensuring that career opportunities in sustainable food and farming are accessible to all is a matter of social justice. By addressing inequalities, the sector can be more inclusive and fair.

Community impact: Empowering racialsied or minoritised young people to pursue careers in sustainable food and farming can have a positive impact on their communities, promoting food security, economic development, and environmental stewardship.

Creating a more equitable sector

The research aims to investigate the intersections of career opportunities, diversity, and sustainabilty in the food and farming sectors and achieve the following outcomes:

Identify career pathways: Map out the diverse career opportunities in sustainable food and farming, providing clear information on job roles, required skills, and educational pathways.

Highlight barriers: Understand the specific challenges faced by minority ethnic youths in accessing these careers through surveys and focus groups.

Promote awareness: Increase awareness about the importance and opportunities of careers in the sustainable food and farming among minority ethnic youths and community organisations.

The research is a step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse sustainable food and farming sector. By understanding and addressing the barriers faced by minoritised groups, we can unlock their potential to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Take part in the survey or share it with your networks before 31 June 2024. To take part in the focus group email brume@sustainweb.org.