Support for Women & Young People in Agriculture
Funding of over £500,000 will help women and young people develop new agricultural skills and further their careers within the farming sector.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon announced the new support during a speech at AgriScot 2023 at the Royal Highland Centre on Wednesday 22 November.
The Next Generation and Women in Agriculture Practical Training Funds will provide successful applicants with £500 each to help pay for practical training courses relevant to farming and crofting.
Training up to the value of £500 per course will be fully funded. Any training over that value will be considered and assessed on a case by case basis.
The funds will be delivered by Lantra Scotland. £400,000 is available from the Next Generation Practical Training Fund, and £170,000 from the Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund.
The rural economy is of critical importance to the overall Scottish economy and health of our nation.
GRAEME
In places like Angus in particular, the agricultural sector makes a major contribution and needs supported into the future – something this Scottish Government recognises.
A key part of this will be ensuring young people from rural areas can thrive in those areas, and attracting new people into farming.
This funding should go some way to helping with that aim, and I would encourage eligible constituents to apply.
Supporting the next generation of farmers is imperative if we want our agriculture sector to continue to innovate and thrive.
RURAL AFFAIRS SECRETARY MAIRI GOUGEON
We are committed to helping women and young people stay in rural communities by equipping them with the necessary skills to pursue careers in farming and crofting.
This funding encourage women and girls to learn additional practical skills to progress their businesses and careers, which in turn can open up new employment opportunities for them.
Lantra works to enhance Scotland’s natural environment and support the rural economy, by increasing the number and diversity of employees in Scotland’s land-based and aquaculture sector and driving their skills development.
DR LIZ BARRON-MAJERIK, LANTRA SCOTLAND DIRECTOR
These funds are intended to benefit women in agriculture and new entrants to the industry and I’m delighted that we’re going to be managing them on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Background
Statistics on Scottish Agricultural Workforce.
Further information about both Training Funds is available on the Skills Hub.
