Support for equality in agriculture

Initiatives to deliver greater equality for women in agriculture and help young farmers become the boardroom leaders of the future will benefit from additional funding.

The future Women in Agriculture Business Skills Training project will receive £100,000 per year for the next three years, while funding to the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs will see board members develop their leadership skills to create greater diversity in the boardrooms of the future.

Among the projects to be supported by an overall package of more than £400,000 is the Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund, which has helped more than 750 trainees to attend practical training courses including tractor and trailer driving, sheepdog handling and chainsaw use since its launch last year.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “We are committed to building a fairer society and part of that includes enabling all women living or working in Scottish agriculture to have equality of opportunity. 

“This untapped potential is critical to helping our agricultural businesses to be more resilient and able to diversify, meeting the needs of changing markets.

“We want to see more women joining those who are already developing a career in Scottish agriculture, which is why it’s important women are given these opportunities in what has been a very male-dominated area.

“We all have a pivotal role to play in implementing the changes needed to deliver a sustainable future for Scottish agriculture and the Royal Highland Show is an ideal platform to showcase that.

“The future will bring challenges that will impact us all, but I am totally focused on how we can support our agricultural industry to be resilient and sustainable and the projects we are supporting ensure women will be a key part in a vital industry that is also helping to meet the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.”

Background

Funding breakdown:

Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund: £100,000 Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs: £40,000

Women in Agriculture Business Skills Training: £300,000 over three years

Women in Agriculture Scotland Group: £8,000