The National Farmers Union (NFU) in Scotland is advising farmers to avoid using certain traditional phrases that reinforce stereotypes, such as ‘farmer’s wife’ or defaulting to male pronouns when referring to colleagues.
Additionally, people in the farming sector are encouraged to steer clear of outdated language like ‘what the housewife wants’ and ‘bring your wife, the shopping is great’ when inviting others to events like the national conference.
These recommendations are part of a new 30-page strategy document aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion within NFU Scotland.
Members are told that a ”farmer’ is not a man.’ The report goes on to clarify that ‘it can be a man or a woman or sometimes on a farm. People in leadership positions need to use correct terminology.’
In a section around language, the report highlights how some words used by farmers could be deemed as ‘sexual harassment or other forms of harassment’.
Members are warned not to make homophobic or racist jokes or comments and states that pub chat is ‘inappropriate for a board meeting but ok for a night out at 10pm on a Friday.’
The report describes one example as ‘offensive’ where a member said: ‘Nicola Sturgeon, only good thing about her is her legs’. It added the phrase was not called out by the chair at the time.
When speaking to others, farmers are also advised not to ask ‘what are you doing here?’ or asking someone how many acres they have as an opener in conversation, because it ‘makes people starting out or with a small farm or no farm at all not feel welcome.’
Farmers are being urged not to refer to colleagues as ‘he’ because it reinforces stereotypes, a diversity and inclusion report from the National Farmers Union (NFU) in Scotland has said. Pictured: Chief executive John Davidson
Another recommendation included in the report suggested a review of using social media, such as WhatsApp, which ‘could be used for gossip, derogatory comments about staff or politicians and this should not be permitted.’
NFU Scotland announced on Thursday that it would be adopting all 14 recommendations in the report, which it described as ‘a significant milestone in [the union’s] ongoing commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive organisation.’
It said such changes were needed to help more people feel welcomed into the union, while acknowledging that diversity and inclusion can be seen as ‘being woke’ or ‘make some people feel anxious.’
The report added: ‘Farming is also still quite a traditional sector and, in many ways, could be viewed as an industry where change is viewed with caution.’
Other reforms included NFU Scotland ‘mak[ing] a consistent effort to support initiatives such as Agrespect, take part in a Pride march to give a clear message to gay people who may assume NFU Scotland is not for them.’
The report equally highlights that ‘there are no women on the main board, and this is one of the most stark measures of lack of diversity in leadership in the organisation.’
NFU Scotland member Caroline Millar authored the 30-page strategy report on inclusion
Speaking at the union’s national conference in Glasgow, chief executive John Davidson, the chief executive, said: ‘Publishing this report in full and committing to its recommendations sends a strong and positive signal that NFU Scotland is serious about diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
‘We believe that by demonstrating leadership, reforming our operational structures, enhancing training and improving our operational practices, we can create an even more inclusive environment for all our members to get involved and flourish.
‘Progressing the recommendations will take a big effort from everyone across the organisation, but I am committed to leading this from the front to ensure we succeed.’
NFU Scotland member Caroline Millar, who authored the report, said: ‘There are many thousands of different people who contribute to Scotland’s vibrant agriculture sector and the research undertaken in 2024 highlighted that more can be done to meet the needs of a wider range of members.
Ms Millar said: ‘Following the many hundreds of conversations I had with people across the country I am pleased that the NFU Scotland Board of Directors have endorsed all of my recommendations and have agreed a timeline for delivery.’
