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.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here