NFUS takes action to get more women involved in activity

The publication of research into the role of women in agriculture, funded by the Scottish Government, has been welcomed by NFU Scotland.

A number of barriers that women experience in the industry was identified within the report, published at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, today (Friday 23 June).  This research complements work NFU Scotland is carrying out to identify any barriers within its organisation which discourage women from getting involved and taking on roles.

NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick commented “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.”   

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Contact Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108