We explore the study data from the recent New Ag International report - The Agriculture Community in 2020.
The agriculture industry, like most others at the moment, is assessing where there are untapped skills from currently under represented groups of people. Organizations are increasingly looking at diversity and inclusion in the workforce, as well as outreach schemes for attracting more women and a younger generation to the industry.
New Ag International conducted a huge survey (August 2020) of agriculture industry professionals from around the world on the diversity of the workforce and importance of sustainability within the community. The results of the 322 responses were gathered together in The Agriculture Community Report 2020: The People Behind the Product.
Several questions asked respondents about outreach schemes and investment programs within their organization to encourage a more diverse workforce. Here we explore the responses to these questions, delving into the data around the schemes to encourage veterans to the workforce across the world.
Over half of respondents' organizations have outreach schemes or investment programs to encourage a more diverse workforce. That number varies significantly in different regions, with 74% of respondents based in Africa, versus just 42% of those based in Europe responding affirmatively.
Looking at just the data for those organizations that do have outreach schemes or investment program, women and young people are the two groups most often targeted (64%), cultural/ethnic minorities (51%). At the other end of the scale, just 14% of organizations have schemes aimed at encouraging veterans into the workforce.
*Excluding those without any outreach schemes/investment programs
When comparing the data for organizations that have outreach schemes or investment programs to encourage veterans to the workforce, unsurprisingly North American companies come out on top with 16% , whilst no other region is above 6%. On the following page we look at some of the different types of scheme being run.
