Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, an entrepreneur known as 'The Black Farmer', has highlighted the significant lack of diversity within British farming. He points to a 2025 Defra survey of principal farmers and holders in England, which found that 99.7% of respondents identified as white.
Emmanuel-Jones, who bought his farm 25 years ago, states that his moniker reflects his rarity in the industry. He notes that many British minorities, often with rural origins abroad, express interest in farming but face a lack of clear entry routes and available land.
He proposes that large landowners such as the National Trust, the Duchy of Cornwall, the Crown Estate, the Church of England, universities, and local authorities could establish programmes. These could include starter farms, affordable tenancies, mentoring, and access to equipment. Supermarkets are also suggested as having a role in creating paths for new growers.