A new farming enterprise called ‘Inclusive Farm Scotland at MacRobert’ will be designed by and for people with disabilities, additional needs or difference. The farmland and buildings will be provided by The MacRobert Trust in Tarland, Aberdeenshire, with the model based on the original Inclusive Farm site – founded in 2021 in Bedfordshire by Mike Duxbury and Ness Shillito. Inclusive Farm welcomes students with diverse needs and gives them the confidence and skills to pursue a worthwhile and fulfilling career in agriculture. Mike, who was recently appointed as Chief Executive Officer, lost his sight at the age of six. He is excited to bring these opportunities to people in Scotland: “We are delighted to be partnering with The MacRobert Trust. Together we will create a unique learning environment which puts people with disabilities, additional needs or difference in the driving seat. Too often disabled people are told what they need, and we are determined that their voices and needs are met.”
Director of Inclusive Farm Scotland at MacRobert, Dr Jenna Ross OBE, said “I am delighted to support this partnership with The MacRobert Trust to bring the Inclusive Farm model to Tarland, land near where my family has farmed for generations. This is a deeply personal ambition for me in that my younger brother Duncan, who was registered blind at birth, has struggled to find an accessible route into agriculture. This is an exciting opportunity to co-create a unique and empowering learning environment that is built by, and for, people with disabilities, additional needs or difference.”
The farm aims to go live later this year. If you would like to learn more, email info@inclusivefarm.co.uk
Published 28th November 2024
