DEI stands for three simple but important words: diversity, equity, and inclusion. The food and agriculture sector has seen attitudes change over several years with many adapting and developing programmes to ensure the industry becomes more equitable for those from different races, ages, genders and cultures.
However, we know there is work to be done. Senior management teams of large companies in our field more often than not, do not have a gender and racial balance that reflects society. Despite this, there has been a backlash in recent months against DEI, with some multinationals deciding to roll back DEI targets, remove quotas, and change training materials to remove cultural context and social messages. The rationale for these moves vary and include broader workforce revamps, responding to the aforementioned public backlash and citing legal outcomes. But are they making the right call?
Aside from the many news headlines focusing on these reversals, some organisations have gone in the other direction, looking at the benefits of DEI to their business and doubling down on projects to boost equity.
Costco is a company that stands out in this area, with their board recently rejecting a proposal to remove its DEI programmes. The Wall Street Journal reported that Ron Vachris, the CEO of Costco, doubled down when contacting a customer who questioned some of the business’ DEI initiatives, explaining, “If these are the policies you see as offensive, I must tell you I am not prepared to change.”
Costco board member Jeff Raikes posted in November 2024: “Attacks on DEI aren’t just bad for business – they hurt our economy. A diverse workforce drives innovation, expands markets, and fuels growth.”
At the end of last year in a letter to shareholders, the board also shared: “Our efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion remind and reinforce with everyone at our company the importance of creating opportunities for all. We believe these efforts enhance our capacity to attract and retain employees who will help our business succeed.”
Agrifood sits at the junction of the world’s most pressing challenges – growing populations, food insecurity, soil erosion and climate change. Many leading organisations believe these can be addressed through the discussions, education, and innovation that come from a diverse and equitable workforce. Reports from UN Women comfortably demonstrate that women accelerate climate-resilience and play key roles in global production. The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems report from the FAO in 2023 further supports the value of women and gender equity in improving nutrition, agricultural productivity, investment in the next generation as well as women’s intrinsic value. Investing in women nurtures whole communities and makes economic sense.
There is a reason targets and initiatives have been established and retained by many – because businesses know there is value to their bottom line through innovative ideas. The era of the DEI target and programme is not dead yet.
At Expana our contribution to chart a path forward is the Women in Food and Agriculture initiative. Since 2019 this community has committed to supporting and building fair, responsible, and sustained food and agriculture systems through its WFA summits, Mentorship Programme and content library available to all.
WFA Europe, taking place on the 25th February at the Hotel Okura in Amsterdam brings together speakers from across the supply chain and globe to offer their experiences and actionable insights. DEI targets and the debate around them will be discussed, as well as inspirational career stories and strategies for boosting equity in our sector.
Diverse peoples lead to diverse ideas and diverse solutions. DEI is not just a buzzword and we need new ideas and innovative opinions to solve the biggest challenges we face in feeding our planet.
