Sutherland farmer Joyce Campbell has been announced as the co-chairman for a new Women in Agriculture taskforce.
Ms Campbell, who runs a flock of 780 Lairg-type North Country Cheviot ewes across 5,600 acres at Armadale, will chair the group alongside Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.
The taskforce was unveiled at the Royal Highland Show by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, following the publication of a new research report into the role of women in farming and the agriculture sector.
Conducted 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.
“This report is a welcome insight into Scotland’s agricultural sector,” said Ms Sturgeon.
“While the report recognises the hugely valuable role that women play in our farming sector, it also highlights some significant challenges that are holding women back from playing an equal and equitable role in agriculture. And these need to be addressed.
“That is why I am delighted to announce this taskforce to look in-depth at the report’s recommendations to ensure the potential of women in farming is realised to better represent the forward-facing, 21st Century Scotland in which we live.”
The taskforce will explore issues such as better succession planning, more appropriate health and safety, better access to training, and progression within the industry.
