WOMEN ARE vastly under-represented within farming and agriculture and face significant barriers to progression within the sector in Scotland – according to new figures published by the Scottish Government.

Key findings include that the cultural practice of passing on large farms intact to one son is the single biggest barrier to women’s entry into agriculture. More than half of women (53%) would like a bigger role in decision-making on their farms and 41% feel their skills are underutilised on farm.

The Royal Bank of Scotland has teamed up with TV presenter and women in agriculture ambassador Storm Huntley, a familiar face on popular BBC children’s farming programme ‘Down on the Farm’ to highlight the challenges faced by women as part of their #ThisIsFarming campaign.

Ahead of the Royal Highland Show returning to Edinburgh this week, Ms Huntley scaled the capital’s Calton Hill to flag the impact women make to the industry. RBS has announced its aim of making entry into agriculture easier for new entrants and their ambition to tackle gender stereotypes surrounding farming in Scotland.

This weekend’s RHS represents the final show before the WIA Taskforce is set to publish its final report in Autumn 2019.

Co-chair of the WIA Taskforce, Joyce Campbell, said: “It is vital that women in agriculture are given access to the same development opportunities as men in order to create a more highly skilled workforce and unlock talent which drives the industry forward.

“Increasing the number of women in senior roles in the industry is another core area we must focus on as we look to create positive role models in the industry for future generations to aspire towards."

The government research highlighted that ‘lack of time’ (71.8%) is a major barrier to women obtaining more senior roles within farming alongside a lack of access to training and the need to prioritise children (53.9%).

The findings also suggest that women in family businesses outside of agriculture face far fewer barriers to business involvement and leadership.

CEO at SAYFC, Penny Montgomerie, stressed the need for equality: “Modern farming has moved on to a point where the traditional stereotypes are no longer applicable to the industry. It is important that we continue to strive for equality in the agricultural industry and create an environment in which the next generation of farmers can flourish,” she urged.

“Agriculture is a key component of the Scottish economy and it is important to attract the best talent possible into the sector. Increasing access to training, finance, support networks and business advice is key to achieving this."

Head of Agriculture at Royal Bank of Scotland, Roddy McLean, added: “Over the course of our near 40-year sponsorship of the Royal Highland Show we have tackled a range of issues faced by the agricultural community and our latest campaign continues this tradition.

“Women are vastly under-represented in the agricultural sector, but we hope that by utilising our dedicated women in business and agriculture resources, we can contribute towards encouraging more women into farming, as well as helping those already within the industry to advance their roles,” he concluded.

Head of NFU Scotland policy team, Gemma Cooper added: “‘NFUS welcomes the fact that the spotlight continues to be shone on this important issue. The Union recognises that women play an integral role in many farming businesses and also that there are some barriers to progression which still need to be addressed," she continued. "NFUS is working hard on being an inclusive organisation which will ensure that women have a strong input into the policy which is being produced on behalf of members’"