Deputy Minister highlights important role of women in agriculture

The Women in Agriculture Forum, held today at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Llandeilo, will bring together women directly involved in the agricultural industry and seek to inspire and empower them to play a full and active role in agri-businesses and the wider industry.

The Deputy Minister is keen to encourage more women into the industry and is urging those already in agriculture in Wales to make the most of the new and exciting opportunities available to them.

She will say:

“Women play an important role in the development of agricultural businesses and are very often the driving force behind introducing and implementing positive changes within the business. I want to encourage women to continue the good work they have been doing and would urge them to seek further opportunities to help realise the vision I share with many in the industry of a modern, professional and profitable agriculture industry, embedding a culture of continuous professional development and improved business focus.

“Earlier this month I launched an important consultation that sets out the vision for the industry’s future in Wales.  Our Strategic Framework for Welsh Agriculture describes the challenges, opportunities and threats we face and outlines how we – the Welsh Government, industry bodies, farmers and yourselves – can bring about this change by working together. We will need strong leadership from within the industry and many women are ideally equipped and placed to provide that strong leadership.

“I am confident that embracing the kind of positive change we envisage, being open-minded to new opportunities and discovering better ways of working can lead to greater prosperity for your own businesses and for the wider industry. I will continue to do all I can to make sure that women in the farming industry receive the encouragement, mentoring, support and guidance they need to help on this important journey.”

Through our Farming Connect programme we have made a commitment to help women develop their strengths and identify and capitalise on opportunities.

Today’s programme includes a number of facilitated workshops on rural topics which ensure those present are encouraged to talk openly about their perspective on the role of women in Welsh farming.

Attending the event, leading debates and workshops, are prominent figures from the sector, including Dr Rosie Plummer, Director of the National Botanic Garden, Emma Penny, editor of Farmers Guardian, Llior Radford, from Llaeth y Llan and Susie Emmett, of Green Shoots Productions.