Women in agriculture

£250,000 has been awarded to help break down the day to day barriers which limit womens impact in the agriculture sector.

The funding comes as the women in agriculture taskforce publishes its one year progress report. The report highlights the need to improve access for women to relevant training, increase the presence of women in leadership roles, and encourage rural bodies to advance gender equality.

Some of the funding will be used to deliver appropriate training and develop a Charter for businesses and organisations to sign up to show their support for involving more women at all levels

Announcing the funding at the Royal Highland Show, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“It is generally accepted that the contribution of women within the farming and agricultural sectors as a whole is often overlooked. This must change and we must better recognise the vital and significant role women play in these sectors to ensure we are benefiting from the full range of skills and experience available to us.

“This report adds to the growing body of research that clearly demonstrates that equality and cohesion are beneficial to our economy. I welcome the recommendation for more women to be in leadership positions, the need to create better training pathways for women, and am interested to learn more about how an industry charter could work.

“I expect the taskforce to now take practical action towards better acknowledgement and representation of women in Scotland’s agricultural sector and I have set aside £250,000 towards helping realise equal opportunity for all in a progressive farming culture.”

Joyce Bannerman Campbell, Co-chair of the Women in Agriculture Taskforce said:

“Over the last year we have focused on what needs to be done to empower and up skill women within the industry, with the aim of ensuring women have the skills and confidence to take on leadership rolls and fully engage in our industry in the future. Looking forward, we will explore the issue of succession planning, whether available training meets the needs of women, and the potential of establishing an industry charter, which recognizes good practice and equality.”

Background

The Women in Agriculture Taskforce was established by the First Minister at the Royal Highland Shown in 2017 to provide recommendations on how best ensure that women are better represented in Scottish farming.