News

08 Mar 2019

Campaign launched to promote women in agriculture

Farmers Guardian’s parent company AgriBriefing has launched a new campaign aimed at shining a light on women working across the food supply chain globally.

The Women in Food and Agriculture initiative, launched to coincide with International Women’s Day, will culminate in a year-end summit which will connect, empower and enlighten women and men in all aspects of agribusiness.

From the barn to the boardroom, women play a crucial role in the global business of food and agriculture. But research and market analysis conducted by AgriBriefing has shown women are acutely under-represented in management roles throughout the industry.

According to Deloitte figures, only 15% of board seats are taken up by women worldwide, with just 4% in the chief executive and top leadership roles.

However, the issue of diversity, tackling unconscious bias and investing in women is becoming more important for businesses.

AgriBriefing chief executive Rory Brown said, “Our industry is experiencing a period of rapid change as international markets mature but, if we’re honest, the agribusiness industry still has a reputation as being largely a male preserve.

“Whilst this is changing - and there are many exceptional female leaders across the industry - the pace of change is still way too slow.

“If our industry cannot make the change and welcome the best talent wherever it lies, then we will all struggle to deliver on the huge challenges the sector is facing.”

The Women in Food and Agriculture summit will share the experiences of the sector’s thought-leaders, offering practical advice for developing women’s skills.

“Our mission is to connect the senior voices in the industry and create a community, while providing an irrefutable body of evidence that the international agribusiness sector needs to take action," said the group’s events director Elisabeth Mork-Eidem.

“We want all professionals in this crucial industry to be able to have those potentially difficult conversations and ensure that both their careers, and their companies reach their maximum potential."

You can find about more about the campaign at www.wfasummit.com

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