Women in Agriculture

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Are you a woman living or working in Scottish agriculture?

If so, this page is for you.

Read on to find out about training courses and support networks that are available.

Image of two Women in Agriculture sitting side by side smiling. Sittting in front of them are two sheep dogs.

Build your confidence, enhance your business skills and develop your leadership abilities with our new training courses.

Table displaying information about the Women in Agriculture Development Programme.

If you wish to register your interest for either the Knowing Your Agricultural Business pilot or the Leadership Development Training pilot, please contact us at womeninagriculture@gov.scot.

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**** DON’T MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY: APPLY NOW ****

Be Your Best Self: personal development training for women living or working in Scottish agriculture.

Download your application form here.

  • Are you a woman living or working in Scottish agriculture?
  • Do you feel like you need to re-focus on your life goals?
  • Do you want to build your confidence and discover the true value of your skills and strengths?
  • Are you looking for new opportunities and possibilities?
  • Would you like to connect with other women in Scottish agriculture?

If so, then this course is for YOU!

This pilot is being funded by Scottish Government, therefore the only cost to you will be a sign up fee of £10 if you are selected.

Places will be allocated to ensure that women at all stages of life and all levels of knowledge and experience are represented. We will also try to ensure a fair geographical spread throughout Scotland.

The location of the initial workshops will be based on the level of demand so if you want a workshop to run near you, you need to apply!

If you are not selected for this pilot, you will be considered for further courses in the future.

If you are unsure of your eligibility, or have any questions about the application form, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can e-mail Sara Thorpe and Karen Mowat at womeninagriculture@gov.scot or phone us on: 0131 244 6880.

Image showing a women in agriculture driving a tractor

Women in Agriculture Scotland - a group recognising the contribution of women working in land-based industries. They provide access to mentoring, networking and development opportunities.

NFU Scotland - Scotland's leading agricultural organisation representing 9,000 farmers, crofters, growers and other supporters the length and breadth of the country.

Scottish Crofting Federation – an organisation dedicated to campaigning for crofters and fighting for the future of crofting. It is the largest association of small scale food producers in the UK.

Farm Advisory Service - part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme which is co-funded by the EU and Scottish Government, providing information and resources aimed at increasing the profitability and sustainability of farms and crofts.

Ayrshire Food for Ayrshire Folk – a community hub with a focus on food. Features a test kitchen and farm shop which can be used to trial new products.

Women in Scottish Aquaculture – a new working group which aims to introduce more women into aquaculture and support those already working in the sector.

Dumfries and Galloway Dairy Women Network

Women in Enterprise

Women in Agriculture discussion groups run by the Farm Advisory Service

Image showing women in agriculture attending a group work shop.

Be Your Best Self: personal development training for women living or working in Scottish agriculture.

The Farm Advisory Service are running a series of knowledge transfer events for women. Book your place.

The FAS is offering opportunities around the country:

The Women in Agriculture Taskforce was set up by the Scottish Government in 2017 to bring forward practical solutions to the key issues facing women living and working in the sector.

As a result of the Taskforce’s work, Scottish Government has announced funding for a Women in Agriculture Development Programme. This will consist of three different courses focusing on personal development; knowing your business; and leadership development.

The first of these courses - Be Your Best Self: personal development training for women living and working in Scottish agriculture – is open for applications now.

The business and leadership courses are still being developed and will be announced in Spring 2020.

The Taskforce has made a series of recommendations to bring gender balance and sustainability to Scottish Agriculture.

Their final report is due for publication on 27th November 2019.

If you didn't manage to get to our Women in Agriculture breakfast at the Royal Highland Show 2019, see what you missed in our video.

The Equality for Scottish Agriculture

We are currently piloting the Charter with selected businesses and organisations in Scotland. If you would like to join the pilot or if you have any questions about the Charter, do not hesitate to get in touch at: womeninagriculture@gov.