Courier columnist joins agriculture taskforce

Courier columnist Joyce Campbell has been announced as the cochairman for a new Women in Agriculture taskforce.

Ms Campbell, who runs a flock of 780 Lairg-type North Country Cheviot ewes across 5,600 acres at Armadale, Sutherland, will chair the group alongside rural secretary Fergus Ewing.

The taskforce was unveiled at the Royal Highland Show by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, following the publication of a research report into the role of women in farming and the agriculture sector. The 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.

The taskforce will explore issues such as succession planning, more appropriate health and safety, and better access to training.