Ewing’s pledge on equal opportunities

Rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing has pledged to do all he can to ensure women have the same rights and opportunities as men in farming.

He made the comments following the first meeting of the Scottish Government’s Women in Agriculture taskforce.

Launched at the Royal Highland Show in June, the taskforce is led by award-winning Sutherland shepherdess and Courier farming columnist Joyce Campbell of Armadale Farm.

Mr Ewing said the creation of the taskforce marked the first step towards tackling the inequalities for women in farming.

He said a research report, conducted by Newcastle University and the James Hutton Institute, highlighted the various different challenges preventing women from participating fully in the farming sector.

“Ensuring women have the same rights and opportunities as men in farming is not only a matter of equality but is also vital to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector,” said Mr Ewing.

“We need to realise the full potential of women’s skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to help create a thriving rural economy.”