Scottish fund increase for women’s practical ag training

The Scottish government has allocated funding to support training for women living and working in or studying agriculture.

The £115,000 package is part of the Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund and can be used for a wide range of practical training, including tractor and trailer driving, sheepdog training, and education in the use of antibiotics in livestock.

The latest funding round follows an initial £100,000 committed to the scheme in December 2020.

Full funding of training costs is available up to the value of £500 a course. Applications for training with a higher cost will still be accepted and will be assessed depending on the value to the individual or business, the Scottish government said.

Subject areas for eligible training courses include:

• Business skills
• Environment and sustainability
• Health and safety
• Plants and animals
• Vehicles, machinery and equipment.

See also: Scots women offered funding for agriculture training

The scheme was launched by rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing to coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March.

Mr Ewing said: “In supporting women in this way, we are increasing equality of opportunity and gender balance in Scottish agriculture and creating a more resilient agricultural industry.

“The benefits to the rural economy and way of life for women living and working in agriculture will be significant in terms of accessing increased training funding.”

The funding follows an announcement of a £100,000 parallel scheme in February. The Women In The Rural Economy Training Fund offers support in other rural sectors such as aquaculture, conservation, fisheries, forestry, horticulture, land-based engineering and wildlife management.

Both funds are administered by Lantra Scotland and are open for applications.

How to apply for the agriculture training scheme

Applications are open to any woman resident in Scotland who is either living, working in or studying agriculture, full- or part-time, or who is keen to start work in this area.

Applicants must demonstrate how the training course will support their business or employment options.

For guidance on eligibility and the funding application process, contact scotland@lantra.co.uk

The application form is available on land-based training body Lantra’s website.