A new scheme aimed at addressing inequality and providing more opportunities for women in Scottish agriculture is to receive more funding, it was announced recently.
The Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund, which has supported more than 750 trainees since its launch last year, is administered by Lantra Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, enabling women to benefit from courses in a range of areas, including tractor and trailer driving, sheepdog handling, lambing, cattle hoof trimming, and chainsaw use.
Lantra’s Scotland Director, Dr Liz Barron-Majerik MBE MICFor, explained more about the training fund:
“Research into the gender imbalance within agriculture in Scotland suggested that women needed more support to access vocational and practical training. This led to us working with the Scottish Government to create a fund specifically for women, covering costs of up to £500 for those who could show how the practical training would support their business or employment options.
“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has announced £100,000 of new funding as this will enable us to open the fund up for applications again shortly.”
The announcement was made at this year's Royal Highland Show, and the attached picture shows (left to right) Marcus Potter, Lantra’s Chief Executive; Màiri McAllan, Minister for Environment and Land Reform, and Dr Liz Barron-Majerik MBE MICFor, Lantra’s Scotland Director.