A NEW taskforce to ensure women are better represented in farming has been announced by the First Minister.

The Women in Agriculture taskforce will consider issues such as better succession planning, more appropriate health and safety, better access to training and progression within the industry.

It will be co-chaired by Fergus Ewing, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, and Joyce Campbell, a working farmer and entrepreneur based in North Sutherland.

The announcement comes as the Women in Farming and the Agriculture Sector research report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, is published by Newcastle University.

The report recommended introducing mechanisms to enable progression from young farmers’ groups to more senior roles in sector bodies; the establishment of a talent bank of suitably-qualified women for farming positions; and mechanisms to identify women mentors to support both male and female farm apprentices.

Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am delighted to announce this taskforce to look in-depth at the report’s recommendations.”