The Scottish government has announced over £500,000 in funding to help women and young people develop new agricultural skills and pursue careers in the farming sector.
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.
Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, announced the funding at AgriScot 2023 yesterday (Wednesday, November 22).
“Supporting the next generation of farmers is imperative if we want our agriculture sector to continue to innovate and thrive,” she said.
“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.”
The funds will be delivered by Lantra Scotland and can be used on courses providing farming-related skills.
£400,000 is available from the Next Generation Practical Training Fund and £170,000 is available from the Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund.
Training up to the value of £500/course will be fully funded. Any training over the value of £500/course will be considered and assessed on a case by case basis.
Lantra Scotland director, Dr Liz Barron-Majerik, said:“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.
“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.”
