As the farming community gears up for the 179th Royal Highland Show, 20th – 23rd of June, the Scottish Government has announced support for women in agriculture with three pilot training sessions.

‘Women in Agriculture Leadership Development Programme’ will enable and empower more women living or working in agriculture to develop their abilities, to take up leadership positions within their communities, regions, and at board level across the industry

‘Knowing your Business’ aims to help women involved in agriculture to increase their knowledge, skills, tools and confidence to help improve business performance

‘Be Your Best Self’ which will help women to build more confidence, explore new possibilities and opportunities, and make new connections

Co-Chair of the Women in Agriculture Taskforce Joyce Campbell said:

“It’s important for all women living and working in Scottish agriculture to access all of the Scottish Government available funded opportunities, so that they can enhance their lives and get the most benefits they can for their businesses.

“These pilot training sessions will help to develop the next generation of women leaders within the agricultural industry, by providing them with the tools and confidence to excel.”

To find out more about these click on the link: Women in Agriculture – Progressive Scottish Farming

Launching the three pilot schemes Christina McKelvie,  Equalities Minister in the Scottish Government said:

“We know that women are key contributors to our rural economy. We also know that being a woman in agriculture can be particularly challenging, especially if you have caring responsibilities, develop your business, go to work and look after your family – often in remote or isolated areas.

“It is because we value women in the rural economy so highly, I am pleased to announce the launch of three pilot training programmes aimed at empowering women to be the best they can be – by supporting them to develop their talents, take up leadership roles, and return to work.”

Women have always played a major role on Scotland’s farms. They were especially important during both World Wars as farm labourers.

A report into Women in Farming and the Agricultural Sector concluded that the custom of passing on large farms to one son is the ‘single biggest barrier to women’s entry into agriculture’.

The report was the first of its kind in Scotland and made several recommendations including targeted training opportunities, quota systems for representative bodies, mentoring and farm succession planning.

Fergus Ewing, Scottish Government Rural Economy Secretary and Co-Chair of the Women in Agriculture Taskforce, said:

“We are committed to investing in women living and working in Scottish agriculture because not only is it the right thing to do, we know that it makes sense. This funding and training pilots are an investment in our greatest asset – the people of rural Scotland – and will create a stronger, more resilient, sustainable rural economy.”

Reporter: Fiona Grahame