The ongoing drive to get more women involved in agriculture continued this week with news that a series of women-only farming events is set to kick off next week.
The events have been organised by the Scottish Government’s Farm Advisory Service – a programme delivered by SAC Consulting and funded from Common Agricultural Policy (Cap) Pillar 2 funding via the Scottish Rural Development Programme.
This money is designed to benefit everyone, and not just women.
So far a total of 10 events are planned on a range of topics from livestock records and diversification opportunities, to mental health and understanding accounts.
While I agree that the meeting themes are interesting and will be of benefit to those attending, I completely disagree with the concept of holding women-only meetings.
It is bizarre that Cap money is being spent on something which only women can attend.
This is not inclusive and goes against the drive to have an inclusive industry.
As I argued only two weeks ago, I completely disagree with the perception that women are not involved enough in agriculture.
Many women are already excelling in the industry and efforts to boost the success of other women in agriculture, should in fact be extended to boost the success of everyone in agriculture.
Don’t segregate the ladies in a bid to make us feel more involved – in doing so you are at risk of doing the opposite.
