Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, widely known as "The Black Farmer," has paved the way for diversity in British agriculture. Born in Jamaica in 1957, he moved to the UK as part of the Windrush generation, growing up in inner-city Birmingham. Despite facing financial hardship, his early experiences helping his father on a small allotment sparked his passion for farming, and he dreamt of one day owning his own land.
Before entering the world of agriculture, Emmanuel-Jones built a successful career in media. He worked as a TV producer for the BBC, where he helped launch the careers of several top chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Antony Worrall Thompson. Later, he founded his own marketing agency, specialising in promoting food and drink brands. But his ultimate ambition of becoming a farmer was realised in 2000 when he bought a small farm on the Devon-Cornwall border.
In 2004, he launched "The Black Farmer" brand, which is best known for its premium gluten-free sausages and other quality meat products. The brand has gained a loyal following, standing out for its focus on quality and diversity, and promoting the message of inclusion within the food industry.
Beyond his business success, Emmanuel-Jones has been passionate about giving back and inspiring future generations. He established The Black Farmer Scholarship to help young people from underprivileged backgrounds gain access to opportunities in the food and farming industries. The scholarship aims to support students, particularly those from minority communities, who have an interest in agriculture but may face barriers in accessing education and training in the field.
In recognition of his contributions to farming, entrepreneurship, and his efforts to promote diversity in agriculture, Emmanuel-Jones was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours.
This prestigious award highlighted his commitment to breaking down barriers and championing inclusion in sectors that are traditionally underrepresented by ethnic minorities.
Through his brand, scholarship initiatives, and public speaking, Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones continues to inspire others, proving that with hard work, vision, and determination, it’s possible to break through barriers and make a lasting impact in any field.