Meeting people in the countryside has its challenges. A new platform is helping farmers and rural residents find a special connection. But is it welcoming to everyone, or just to a familiar crowd?

Agrimatching is a dating app created to help people in agricultural communities find love and friendship. Gijs Staats, the 24-year-old co-founder of Agrimatching, sheds light on the app’s vision and its efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity.

When you think of the countryside, you might picture a quiet “traditional” life, but for Gijs, rural life isn’t as set in stone as it might seem. “The countryside isn’t as conservative as people think,” he says, “it’s progressing with trends and developments, just like any other place, maybe just at a slightly slower pace.” Agrimatching aims to offer a space for people who share a passion for agriculture, regardless of their background or identity.

Dating in the countryside differs from city life. “In urban areas, the population is much higher, so it’s easier to meet new people,” Gijs explains. In rural areas, where distances are greater and social circles smaller, apps like Agrimatching can help bridge the gap for both rural and urban residents to expand. Another key difference is diversity. While cities offer a more multicultural dating pool, Agrimatching attracts mostly Dutch farmers (for now). Gijs believes this isn’t a barrier for people from other backgrounds but acknowledges the app’s user base has room to grow.

Currently, only 1% of Agrimatching’s users identify as queer. Gijs believes this low number is influenced by the stigma surrounding the countryside. “The countryside might not seem attractive to queer people because of the perception that it’s less welcoming.” In cities, there is more diversity and visibility for the LGBTQI+ community. As a result, many queer people may feel more at home in urban areas. To encourage inclusivity, Agrimatching allows users to specify their gender identity and sexual orientation when creating a profile. The team has also shared a video of a queer farmer encouraging more LGBTQI+ people to sign up, hoping to make the app and rural life feel more inviting.

Dating apps typically have more male users than female, and Agrimatching is no exception. However, with 28% female users compared to the usual 25%, the app attracts more women than mainstream platforms. Gijs thinks this is due to Agrimatching’s focus on shared interests over superficial swiping. “Most people here tend to look for something meaningful, not just casual hookups,” Gijs explains, creating a niche environment where those with a similar lifestyle can more easily find compatible partners. Nonetheless, users are still free to decide how they want to use the app.

Additionally, there’s a shift in gender expectations. According to Gijs, men and women are equally searching for a special connection on the app. He believes men are no longer intimidated by successful women (in agriculture), adding, “Nowadays, it’s normal for women to run their own business.”

While Agrimatching has taken steps towards inclusivity, challenges remain. LGBTQI+ representation is still low, and ethnic diversity is limited. However, the app is open to feedback and change. Future plans include expanding to Germany and introducing a customizable search radius to connect people on the app more effectively. “We want Agrimatching to be a place where everyone feels at home.”