A major international survey to assess the impact of Covid-19 on women in food and agriculture as well as where agri-businesses are measuring on the scale of gender and diversity has been launched.
The survey was launched this week (Wednesday, October 28) by AgriBriefing’s Women in Food and Agriculture – which supports gender diversity across the agri-business supply chain.
The company says the survey will act as a “barometer” to track change over the last 12 months.
Last year’s survey revealed several barriers for women in agriculture but reflected an optimistic outlook.
According to AgriBriefing: “After a year like no other when home working has become the norm, the survey will assess how this has impacted on companies’ approach to flexible working and the potential impact on women’s careers going forward.”
Diversity in agriculture
Recent studies have highlighted the positive impact of diversity and inclusivity on business performance.
A survey by McKinsey showed agri-businesses with a more diverse executive team and board are more likely to see better than average profits.
AgriBriefing said that this shows that the agri-food industry must act to understand the “scale of inequality” and for companies to boost diversity and inclusion to maximise results.
AgriBriefing’s group events director Elisabeth Mork-Eidem said: “The mission of Women in Food and Agriculture is to make a measurable positive impact on gender diversity across the global food and agricultural industry.
This annual survey in partnership with Alltech plays a crucial role in tracking how the industry is doing in driving diversity and inclusivity.
The survey, available in six languages, will also take a deep dive into sexism in the workplace, career progression, opportunities for young people and impacts on mental health.
Results will be announced in a full report in January 2021 with some preliminary findings presented at the Women in Food and Agriculture Digital Festival which takes place on Tuesday, December 8, and Wednesday, December 9, 2020.
AgriBriefing is one of the world’s leading agribusiness media and intelligence companies while Alltech develops more sustainable solutions for agriculture.
