NFU SCOTLAND has endorsed the new development programme for women in agriculture, which commences this October.

The Scottish Government-funded ‘Be Your Best Self’ programme is a part of its vision to make Scottish agriculture a 'fairer, more inclusive industry' where farm succession is not determined by gender, training is accessible to everyone, and more women take on senior roles in agricultural organisations.

Applications for this year's course are full, but applications for 2022 are now live and up to 200 women are expected to take part in the next two years.

Read more: Women in agriculture offered a confidence builder

Several team members within NFU Scotland participated in the pilot, including its Head of Policy Team, Gemma Cooper, who said: “It is fantastic to see Scottish Government further invest in the development of women in agriculture in Scotland. From personal experience, this is an excellent programme and one that any woman working in Scottish agriculture should consider.

“This course is the next stage from work carried out by the Women in Agriculture Taskforce, a panel which included past NFUS president, Andrew McCornick. The pilot courses had excellent feedback and I know they were a huge benefit to those who attended them.

“Investment such as this can only be a positive thing for industry and for organisations such as NFUS as it will help ensure that talented individuals are enabled to progress in their careers and in representative organisations,” she concluded.

More details and the application form can be found at https://www.ruralpayments.org/publicsite/futures/topics/all-schemes/women-in-agriculture.