The Scottish Government has published research on the barriers women experience in the agriculture industry.

The research, which was undertaken by Newcastle University, was published at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston on Friday (23 June). It was welcomed by NFU Scotland (NFUS), which has been looking at barriers within the organisation itself which discourage women from getting involved and taking on roles.

The government-commissioned 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.

In light of the report’s findings, a new group to ensure women are better represented in farming has been announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. 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 rural affairs secretary Fergus Ewing and Sutherland farmer Joyce Campbell.

Speaking at the Royal Highland Show, the First Minister said, “This government has always placed equality at the heart of all it does, and it is absolutely right that fairness extends to all sectors of Scottish society.

“This report is a welcome insight into Scotland’s agricultural sector. 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.”

Also commenting, NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick said, “This report from the Scottish Government shows that there are barriers that stop some women taking on high profile roles in our industry, and this is something that both the industry and NFU Scotland want to address.

“The Union will be working further with the researchers and will take steps to address issues highlighted in this report.

“Earlier this year, NFU Scotland carried out a survey with its members about perceived barriers for women in engaging with the Union. I was very pleased with the level of response we had, and there is a clear demand from women within our membership to get more involved.

“We want to empower women within our membership to get more involved with our work, at all levels. This autumn we will be hosting a number of events, aimed at women in agriculture, across Scotland, which will be the next step in this process for us.

“In addition to this, I have agreed to be personally involved in a new Scottish Government taskforce which has been set up in response to this report. I look forward to engaging more on this subject, as I believe it an important part of the future of NFU Scotland.”