SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT CELEBRATES WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE  

Over 100 women from across the agricultural sector gathered in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday to hear findings of a recent report from the Scottish Government’s ‘Women in Agriculture’ Task Force.

The event – hosted by MSPs Emma Harper and Gail Ross – was addressed by the Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing, and Joyce Campbell – Chair of Women in Agriculture Taskforce.

Academics Professor Sally-Anne Shortall, Dr Annie Mckee, and Dr Lee-Anne Sutherland were on hand to answer questions about their research into barriers and opportunities for women in agriculture.

South Scotland MSP Emma Harper, said:

“I grew up on a dairy farm – where my Mum’s contribution was just as important as my father’s, and since my election I have met so many innovative and hard working women in the agricultural industry. For example, In Dumfries and Galloway we now have a Women in Dairy Network – led by Tracey Roan.

“The agricultural sector is vital to rural Scotland – and the contribution of women in this male dominated environment has been significant. However, there are still barriers to women who want to make their careers in farming. The cultural practice of passing on large farms intact to one son is the single biggest barrier to women’s entry into agriculture.

“Lack of time is also a major barrier to women accessing the right training. Women in agriculture are very busy, juggling family responsibilities, farm work, housework, off-farm employment and volunteer work.

MSP for Caithness, Ross and Sutherland, Gail Ross added:

“I was delighted to host this event with Emma tonight. We are both MSPs representing rural areas at opposite ends of the country – so it was good to meet in the middle and facilitate this discussion here in Edinburgh.

“I also grew up on a farm and have known of so many women who form the backbone of the agri sector – and know that we need to do more to support them in accessing training and professional development opportunities.

“The Scottish Government’s taskforce has done some excellent work towards identifying barriers – and I look forward to us working together to eradicate them.