I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion have become so divisive. In rural communities like the ones I’ve called home, those three letters, DEI, can stir up frustration, confusion, or outright disgust. But if I can step back from the headlines and listen to the stories I hear, I see hard work and those who desire to ensure everyone has a place to contribute.
“Inclusion isn’t political. It’s about people.”
This isn’t abstract. I’ve lived the tension of being part of agriculture while not fitting the mold many expect. And over the years, I’ve seen what happens when people are welcomed and what it’s like to feel pushed aside. I believe so strongly that diversity and belonging aren’t just nice or liberal ideas. They’re essential if we want agriculture and our rural communities to survive.
Where I’ve Seen Diversity Strengthen Agriculture
We don’t always call it diversity, but it’s always been here. Think about the people who’ve shaped agriculture:
- Generations of immigrant workers who plant and harvest our crops and milk or feed our cattle.
- Women who’ve kept operations running, often behind the scenes, and increasingly lead them outright.
- Black, Indigenous, and people of color who have contributed so much to the land, even when they met roadblocks to access vital resources.
- And so many people who solve problems in ways that might seem unfamiliar but bring fresh solutions we need.
We’ve benefited from these diverse voices for generations. And during the current political climate, it’s even more critical to say that aloud and ensure those voices are included and respected.
Belonging Is What Keeps People Showing Up
Diversity invites people in. Belonging gives them a reason to stay.
I’ve felt the difference between being tolerated and being truly welcomed. And I’ve seen how quickly someone’s ideas or talents are lost when they feel like they don’t belong because of who they are or how they show up.
When someone doesn’t feel safe to speak up in a meeting or feels invisible at a conference, it doesn’t just hurt them. It hurts all of us. We lose ideas, energy, and potential.
“Diversity invites people in. Belonging gives them a reason to stay.”
This Isn’t About Politics. It’s About Practical Change.
Inclusion isn’t about giving people special treatment. It’s about removing unnecessary barriers. It’s about creating conditions where people can do their best work, contribute meaningfully, and feel valued.
In a recent newsletter, Dr. Stephon D. Fitzpatrick at Together We Grow described DEI as infrastructure in a way that clicked.
DEI is the infrastructure that makes life and work more equitable for everyone. It’s the tangible, everyday changes that remove barriers and foster inclusivity. Examples include:
- Accessibility: Ramps, curb cuts, subtitles, captions, large-print materials, and language translations.
- Workplace flexibility: Floating holidays, parental leave, pay equity, return-to-work support for new parents, and accommodations for disabilities.
- Workplace culture and safety: Protection against workplace harassment, wellness programs, inclusive dress codes, and prayer/meditation spaces.
- Basic human dignity: Changing tables in men’s restrooms, family restrooms, food accommodations for dietary needs, size-inclusive seating, and employee recognition programs.
At the heart of every thriving industry are its people. Whether in agriculture, food production, or any other sector, the strength of an organization is rooted in how it treats its workforce.
And here’s something I’ve realized: most people pushing back on DEI aren’t the ones directly impacted by exclusion. I’ve heard many people argue against programs that don’t affect them personally, not realizing they’re speaking over those of us who are actually impacted.
“Inclusion isn’t a pie. More for someone else doesn’t mean less for you.”
If a policy or program benefits someone else, that doesn’t take something away from me. It means someone else gets a fair shot. That’s not a loss. It’s a win for all of us.
Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is sit back, listen, and recognize that our experience isn’t the only one that matters.
What I’ve Learned About What DEI Really Means
Too often, DEI is misunderstood as identity-based hiring or a quota system. But in my experience, that’s just not how it works.
Here’s what I’ve seen DEI actually look like:
- A young parent on a farm crew getting time off after having a baby or being able to adjust their schedule to attend their child’s school programs.
- A neighbor making sure their community event is accessible to people using a wheelchair.
- A commodity group creating a training space where young or beginning farmers felt they could participate as part of the industry.
- A workshop where a farm leader paused to reflect after a participant said, “I’ve never before felt safe to speak openly in a room like this.”
- Small adjustments like using materials with large print for easier reading or in a second language for non-English speakers are simple but powerful signals that say, “You are part of this team.”
“You don’t need to say ‘DEI’ to live its values. Many of us already are.”
These kinds of actions, big or small, create a ripple effect. They remind people that agriculture can be a place where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, thrive, and be themselves.
Inclusion Already Exists in Rural Life
Every time you mentor a young person who challenges your thinking, that’s inclusion. Every time you listen to someone who sees the world differently than you do, that’s diversity in action. Every time you stand up for someone who feels like they don’t belong, that’s creating space for belonging.
And most of us are already doing these things. We just might not use the same words.
Agriculture Needs All of Us.
We’re facing big problems: labor shortages, extreme weather, economic pressure, mental health challenges. These aren’t problems we solve by narrowing who feels welcomed in our industry and communities. We solve them by bringing more people in.
We can’t afford to turn people away just because they look, love, pray, or think differently. We need every voice, every skill set, and every lived experience we can get.
“Agriculture is stronger when everyone has a place in it.”
If you’ve found yourself nodding along, consider one tangible step you can take this week to make someone in your community feel more valued or that they belong.
Maybe that means inviting a new neighbor over for a meal or coffee, asking a different perspective on a challenge at work, or speaking up the next time you see someone being pushed aside.
Because I truly believe we build a stronger future when no one is left behind.
What is so wrong with making space for people at the table in our communities and industry?
Join the conversation