The challenges associated with the ever-increasing global population have made it more important than ever for the agri-food industry to be able to perform at its full potential. Inclusion and diversity in the workforce are essential to shaping a sustainable future — and yet, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the gender gap in the food and agriculture industries is extensive. To gather real-world insights into the professional landscape for women in agriculture, Alltech has announced its support of an industry-wide survey.
This global survey, which will be conducted in partnership with AgriBriefing, aims to collect feedback about the barriers that impede progress and to identify the resources needed to ensure workplace equality. The survey is open to women and men across all sectors of the agri-food industry, and the results will be revealed at the Women in Food & Agriculture Summit, to be held Dec. 3 and 4, 2019, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
This collaborative effort to reach across sectors and geographical boundaries in an attempt to improve the industry’s outlook reflects Alltech’s vision for a Planet of Plenty. During ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, held in Lexington, Kentucky, in May, Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, outlined the company’s vision for a future with enough nutritious and safe food for the rising population, with our environment and resources preserved for future generations. A diverse and inclusive workforce is among the most valuable of those resources.
“It is my experience that the most effective organizations embrace diversity and support inclusion,” said Dr. Lyons. “The food and agriculture sectors include many talented female leaders, and we need to make sure young people see themselves represented and can envision a future career in the industry. Through this industry-wide survey, we hope to gain a better understanding of the challenges facing women in ag and identify opportunities for growth.”
Women and men in all sectors of the food supply chain are encouraged to contribute to this important global conversation about gender equality in agriculture by taking the survey here.
For more information on the Women in Food & Agriculture Summit, visit wfasummit.com, and join the conversation on social media using #WFA19.
