Inclusive Farm to give disabled students new opportunities in Scotland

Mike Duxbury and Ness Shillito founded Bedfordshire-based Inclusive Farm in January 2021. Each week they welcome students with diverse needs onto their farm. Those students receive the confidence and skills to pursue a worthwhile and fulfilling career in agriculture.

Inclusive Farm co-founder Mike Duxbury tells us about his ambitions for a new farm in Scotland.

Mike, who lost his sight at age six, wants to provide the same opportunities to young people in Scotland.

“90% of blind people and 78% of autistic people are unemployed – but it doesn’t have to be like this. We’re seeing first-hand the impact that providing skills, such as animal husbandry, has had on the young people visiting Inclusive Farm.

“Our vision has always been simple: there are disabled people across the United Kingdom, and we plan to develop Inclusive Farms in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“We now have the opportunity to achieve this in Scotland and we want young people to sit in the driving seat. Too often disabled people are told what they need, and we are determined that their voices and needs are met.”

Mike wants to help more young people with diverse needs into farming.

“A golden opportunity” for students with disabilities

Inclusive Farm is seeking like-minded organisations to partner with the project. Dr Jenna Ross OBE, a Scottish environmental scientist, agricultural researcher, STEM ambassador and EDI champion, strongly encourages businesses and industry to support the project.

“Labour is one of the biggest issues plaguing our industry, but there is a demographic that is constantly overlooked.

“A golden opportunity is now available for partners to come forward and help be part of a project which is pioneering an inclusive approach to agriculture.”

Young people are encouraged to register their interest, and businesses interested in partnering the initiative should do so by emailing Mike via: info@inclusivefarm.co.uk.