I beg to move

That this Assembly notes with concern the significant under-representation of women in the agriculture sector; recognises the structural and cultural barriers that limit women’s participation, including traditional inheritance practices, access to land, finance, training and decision-making roles; acknowledges the vital role that women play in farm businesses, rural communities and the agri-food industry; understands the huge benefits to be gained from their increased contribution; further notes the recommendations in the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' report; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to develop measures and initiatives to increase female participation and leadership within the sector.

The Business Committee has agreed to allow up to one hour and 30 minutes for the debate. The proposer of the motion will have 10 minutes in which to propose and 10 minutes in which to make a winding-up speech. An amendment has been selected and is published on the Marshalled List, so the Business Committee has agreed that 15 minutes will be added to the total time for the debate. Áine, please open the debate on the motion. <BR/>]

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

[Translation: Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker.]

I welcome the opportunity to propose the motion. Historically, women have played a central role in our rural landscapes, working on farms, running businesses and spearheading community development, all while doing most of the domestic labour and having caring responsibilities at home. Agriculture is the backbone of our rural communities and a cornerstone of our economy. Despite their invaluable contribution, women remain under-represented in farm ownership, decision-making positions and leadership roles in the agri-food industry. Women face structural and cultural barriers that limit their full participation in agriculture. Daughters are often overlooked as potential inheritors of family farms, and, without land ownership, women struggle to access the financial resources that are necessary to initiate, innovate, expand or even sustain their agriculture activities. According to government statistics, only 5% of registered principal farmers are women and only 4% of participants in business development groups are women.

There are glimmers of hope, however. Some 53% of students in higher education agriculture courses are women. The interest and ability is there, so we now just need to harness it in the agriculture industry. Studies have shown that gender diversity in leadership results in better decision-making, increased productivity and greater innovation. By empowering women in agriculture, we can unlock the full potential of our rural economy and ensure the sustainability of the sector for generations to come.

This year's theme for International Women's Day was "Accelerate action", calling on us to drive gender equality through bold, decisive actions. The status quo needs to be challenged, as do the systemic barriers that hold back half our population. It is our responsibility as legislators to champion policies that will empower women. The need is even more pressing when we consider the incentives for female entrepreneurs and farmers in the South of Ireland. Since 2014, the ACORNS programme has been helping rural female business owners to establish and grow their enterprise. After the Women in Agriculture conference in 2023, a 12-point action plan was produced, and efforts are under way to achieve 40% female representation on state boards related to agriculture.

Support needs to be provided for women when it comes to farm succession and land ownership. We also need to develop funding streams for women-led agriculture businesses. We need to ensure that women have access to the necessary training and mentorship programmes, and that those programmes fit around their many, often competing, responsibilities. Decisive action is required in order to increase female representation in farming organisations. Targeted leadership programmes could help rectify the imbalance. Fundamentally, we need to challenge outdated cultural attitudes and make women's representation in agriculture the norm rather than the exception. The motion is not only about fairness but about using all the tools at our disposal to secure the innovation and sustainability goals that our agrisector must meet to survive. We need to empower women to help lead and shape that change.

Thankfully, my experience on the farm is one of positivity. For years, my uncle's farm has been a hub of activity, where all my cousins and I congregate to help out. Thankfully, we still do, particularly over grass season. From mowing and bailing in the summer months to calving, lambing, foddering and more, my interest was fostered and encouraged. As we look to the future, let us acknowledge that women in agriculture are not just supporting farming but leading it. By breaking down barriers, by providing better access to resources and by encouraging young women to pursue a career in agriculture, we can build a more diverse, sustainable and thriving industry.

I beg to move the following amendment:

Leave out all after "report;" and insert: "notes the January 2025 'Diversity and Inclusion Review: Final Report' by the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to encourage a partnership approach between his Department, the agriculture industry and representative bodies to work together on measures and initiatives to increase female participation and leadership within the agriculture sector."

Sian, you will have 10 minutes in which to propose the amendment and five minutes in which to make a winding-up speech. All other Members who are called to speak will have five minutes. Sian, please open the debate on the amendment.

Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Having moved the amendment, I wish to support the motion and highlight the significant under-representation of women in agriculture. First, I thank the Members who tabled the motion, and I thank Áine for her eloquent speech and the stories of engagement on her family farm.

While I acknowledge the structural and cultural barriers that limit women's participation, I recognise my colleague Minister Muir's commitment to addressing those challenges and working towards practical and tangible solutions. As we have said, it is about that "Accelerate action" theme.

Women have always played a vital role in our rural communities, but, so often, their contributions go unrecognised. Women are central to family farm businesses, the agri-food industry and rural life, but they remain under-represented when it comes to decision-making, business ownership and policy influence. The barriers that women face in agriculture are so complex. Traditional inheritance practices still make it harder for women to inherit land; access to finance and training remains disproportionately difficult; and leadership roles in farming organisations continue to be male-dominated. Those barriers persist despite clear evidence that diversity leads to better decision-making, greater innovation and stronger economic outcomes.

Women in farming often say that it is not just a glass ceiling that holds them back; in a previous report, women talked about a "sticky floor". Systemic issues such as lack of childcare support, financial barriers and outdated membership structures make progression difficult, and tackling those issues requires addressing the ceiling above and the floor below. The 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' report was a significant step forward when it was published in 2022, and I look forward to hearing an update on the actions in the report from the Minister in his response to the debate.

Some of the deeper issues were further explored in NFU Scotland's 'Diversity and Inclusion Review: Final Report', which was published in January of this year. One of the review's key findings was that no women currently sit on the NFU Scotland main board, which highlights how leadership in farming over there remains overwhelmingly male. The report recommends practical steps such as creating a skills matrix, building talent pipelines for women and establishing a dedicated diversity and inclusion committee. That committee's review of 17 Scottish agri-food organisations found that, out of 111 senior board representatives, only 16 were women. That is 14%. That under-representation demonstrates an urgent need for action. I know that the Minister is nurturing this in his Department. That review focused mainly on the Scottish agrisector, but I look forward to hearing from the Minister today about the key learnings that he will take forward, whether through the appointment of the boards of his non-departmental public bodies or through working alongside the public appointments unit in DAERA to actively nurture the involvement of women and encourage them to apply for positions.

In my North Antrim constituency, the most recent census data showed that only 9·8% of those working in agriculture-related activity were women, whereas 90·1% were men. That imbalance is not just a statistic; it reflects the structural barriers that still exist, limiting women's participation in land inheritance, business leadership and decision-making roles. A recent study by Maynooth University, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the South, identified the same barriers that exist here in Northern Ireland. The study noted that the dominant perception that a farmer is male remains — the stoic, strong decision-maker — which I found really interesting, while the woman is often seen as the helper, with the son being considered the natural heir. We hear it in the Chamber when we talk about farmers: the pronoun that is most used is "he", and comments refer to male farmers. That is just a natural consequence of the narrative.

The barriers extend beyond the access to land and succession. They are the challenges of balancing off-farm work, off-farm employment and caregiving responsibilities. Addressing those issues will require a policy change that integrates agriculture policy with tax regulations, economic frameworks and social welfare entitlements. That is why it is a cross-departmental issue that has to be tackled collectively. That is why we tabled our amendment. If we are to be fully successful in attracting and retaining more women into agri-industries and farming, we need to engage in a partnership approach that involves all stakeholders. We cannot rely on reports alone. We need action, and that action has to be rooted in partnership. If we are to make real progress, there needs to be a whole-sector approach and work in partnership with farming organisations, training bodies, financial institutions, local councils and policymakers. It is not, therefore, an issue for just Minister Muir or the Department; it is an opportunity for the entire agriculture community to come together to create meaningful change.

We also have to ensure that women are supported at all career stages in farming. That includes support not just for new entrants but for those who are returning after time spent in other employment or raising their families. Flexible learning opportunities and strong support networks can make all the difference, so we should look at the talent pipelines, such as the agricultural colleges, the universities and industry bodies, that could collaborate to develop women-focused training and mentorship programmes. DAERA has been working on flexible methods of learning, so looking at digital, e-learning or even peer learning or mentoring spaces would be useful in supporting women's learning.

Moving on to financial support for female farmers, there has to be some kind of engagement with financial institutions that creates loan schemes that are tailored for women in agriculture, ensuring fair access to the capital that so many women in the sector find difficult to access. When we are looking at childcare, there has to be a flexible working initiative. Many women in farming are also caregivers, whether that is for the generation before or after them. Partnering with rural support networks to develop on-farm childcare solutions or flexible meeting structures, such as online participation, should be looked at, as should the role of the healthcare partnerships in that.

As I said, Minister Muir has already demonstrated a willingness to engage on the issue. I welcome the steps that have been taken to date, especially on succession planning. The phrase, "You need to see it to be it" is key. The more that we champion and amplify the voices of women in agriculture and remove the barriers to succession, the more successful that we will be in retaining and nurturing women in the agrisector. If we are serious about strengthening our agrisector and ensuring its sustainability for the future, we have to remove every barrier that we can to women participating fully. As I have said before, women do not just have to break a glass ceiling; they need to rise from the sticky floor that has held them down for far too long. I hope that, today across the Assembly, we can commit to lifting them up, creating real opportunities and ensuring that the future of farming is truly inclusive. I commend the amendment to the House.

I thank the Members for tabling the motion. Despite the critical role that women play in farm businesses, rural communities and the wider agri-food sector, their contributions are often overlooked and undervalued. Often when farmers are depicted, we think of the stereotypical male farmers, which does a huge disservice to the incredible role of women in the sector. While they may not be the head of holding, women are often the glue that keeps the family business together. They are often the driving force behind the success of the business: the bankers; the accountant; the organiser; the cleaner; the cook; the carer; and, as the mover of the motion said, the extra pair of hands at lambing, calving or milking.

The agriculture sector is one of the key drivers of the Northern Ireland economy, as we know. It sustains livelihoods and builds communities. However, it appears that women remain disproportionately excluded from key decision-making roles and leadership positions. As a party, we recognise that imbalance and believe that encouraging more women to have a career in the sector whilst promoting those who are already forging ahead in the industry is absolutely critical. Traditionally, agriculture is seen as a male-dominated industry, but women have always been at the heart of our rural communities, farming families and businesses. I am always delighted when I speak to farmers to hear them talk about their daughters, the role that they play and their desire to take over the farm business. It really does my heart good when I hear that. However, structural and historical barriers exist, and we heard about them today. Those barriers include inheritance practices, limited access to finance and land, reduced training opportunities and exclusion from decision-making processes.

Despite that, many women have proven to be trailblazers in the agriculture and agri-food sectors. We have only to look at Minette Batters, the former NFU president. She is just one perfect example of how you can rise to the top. At 22%, Northern Ireland has the lowest percentage of women working in agriculture in the United Kingdom. The essential roles carried out by many women in the sector often go unnoticed, and more work is required for women to be recognised as farmers in their own right.

As a party, we are committed to supporting policies and initiatives to encourage greater female participation in the agriculture workforce. We recognise the fundamental role that women play in ensuring that farms remain productive, profitable and sustainable. Indeed, in our Assembly election manifesto, we prioritised the removal of barriers that prevent women from becoming more involved in the management and control of farm businesses. We remain committed to tackling those obstacles and to cultivating an environment in agriculture in which women flourish.

Attitudes towards women in agriculture must also change, and the proposer of the amendment was very clear about that. The recommendations in the 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' report provide a clear road map for addressing some of the barriers that women face in participating fully in all aspects of agriculture.

We must also look at the next generation. An increasing number of young women are pursuing qualifications in agriculture at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), which is key to shaping the sector. However, continued investment in training pathways and opportunities for young women is needed. The Agriculture and Economy Ministers must cooperate to nurture and support the next generation of women leaders in agriculture.

The barriers that women face are often more pronounced. Long working hours, the absence of maternity leave and the lack of childcare support are real issues that prevent many women from entering the sector full time. We need to explore practical options for supporting women farmers during pregnancy and beyond. The Committee report showed how providing that support, including childcare assistance, can help to relieve some of those pressures. Initiatives such as the childcare subsidy scheme have already benefited many working families by reducing childcare costs by up to £160 per month, and they need to continue.

The new Farming for the Generations scheme, which is set to launch in 2026, gives a unique opportunity to shape the future of agriculture. Young women need to be involved in the scheme's co-design and associated financial support. Young people, including young women, are more willing to invest in sustainable farming practices and new technologies. By empowering young women to take leadership roles, we can make sure that agriculture is dynamic and resilient for future generations.

The representation of women in agriculture is not just a matter of fairness; it is a matter of future sustainability and economic prosperity. It is really positive to hear a united voice in the Chamber on supporting our women in agriculture and ensuring that they have opportunities and are given the recognition and support that they deserve.

I welcome the motion and thank Áine and her colleagues for bringing it forward. The barriers facing women in agriculture in Northern Ireland are well documented, and we have heard some very eloquent representations today.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey, which was referenced in the 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' report of 2022, states that women comprise only 22% of the agriculture workforce in Northern Ireland, which is less than the UK average. Women also report a lack of access to funding and training and are often left with more caring responsibilities, which continues to discourage their progression in the sector. However, the biggest challenge is one that simply cannot be changed by just adding more money to the pot. A change in attitude is required to move away from the traditional male dominance of the farming industry.

As a representative for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, which is a huge rural constituency, I will give you the voice of one of the farmer's wives in Fermanagh and let her speak and contribute to the debate.

The women whom I speak about today are not simply farmers' wives; they are vital assets and, without them, their farms would struggle to function.

Vicki Byers, from Ballinamallard, is one such farmer. She married into the industry but has rolled up her sleeves and learned all the tools of the trade, despite not coming from a farming family. She has even built up a social media presence on Instagram in the process. Vicki has experienced all the challenges of being a woman in farming from a lack of support groups to the male-dominated culture. She has even experienced men on social media telling her that she is doing her job wrongly. For Vicki, that culture is a huge burden on women in farming. All she wants is for her role to be recognised in parity with male farmers, as she does just as much work.

Thankfully, there is scope to be positive. Vicki says that plenty of young girls who are interested in a career in agriculture are coming through the ranks. Gone are the days when young farmers' clubs were boys-only, as many girls are now getting stuck into tractor driving, milking and lambing and, in many cases, doing it better than the boys. For Vicki, public bodies need to take action to support agriculture across the board.

Farming families have been getting it tough for too long. The onus is on the Assembly to take forward the recommendations from the 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' report in order to help to even the playing field for women and recognise the contribution that they make to the industry, all while tackling the issues that face agriculture as a whole.

From the challenges of TB to rising costs and the disastrous inheritance tax plans, farmers are crying out for public representatives who care about their views and their livelihoods. That is why I am happy to support the motion, which calls on the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs:

"to develop measures and initiatives to increase female participation and leadership within the sector."

There is a need to find a solution that makes agriculture not only a safe space for women but a sustainable industry that encourages even more young women to get involved.

While I was doing my research, Minister, I looked at some statistics and was surprised to see that they classified farmers and their spouses. In that particular instance, however, when I searched for "women", they were not included in the search mechanism. That is something to take on board: that women can stand as their own entity.

I commend the motion, and I am happy to support the amendment.

Gabhaim buíochas leis na Comhaltaí a mhol an rún.

[Translation: I thank the Members who tabled the motion.]

Agriculture is one of our most crucial industries. It contributes to our economy, our rural communities and, of course, our food security. I concur entirely with the motion's sentiments, particularly that the under-representation of women is a major concern, despite their playing a pivotal role in the sector and in many farmhouses throughout the North and further afield.

Important efforts have been made to address gender imbalances, and I encourage more women to become involved in the sector. Notably, organisations such as the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU), with its Women in Agriculture programme, have hosted important events, seminars and networking opportunities to empower women in the sector. We commend their efforts to challenge stereotypes and to encourage more women to consider farming as a viable career path. However, despite those efforts, the issue persists. Women in agriculture face too many barriers that can limit their involvement and success in the sector. As we know, the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs published its 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' report in March 2022. It identified key challenges, including our traditional view of agriculture. We know that traditional views see agriculture as a male-dominated industry, but, as the report recommended, those views need to be challenged. Likewise, access to land and finance needs to be increased.

I listened carefully to the speech on the Alliance Party's amendment, but I am not sure at this stage that loans are high on the list in some farmhouses, especially now that they face the challenges of inheritance tax. However, we support the amendment because it crosses many fields. Indeed, the innovative work that is being done at CAFRE and some of the work that is being done in the further education (FE) colleges has to be considered and factored into any policies going forward.

As has been established, agricultural land is typically passed through male lines, and women sometimes have less access to inheritance or ownership rights. Furthermore, obtaining financial support from banks or funding bodies can be much more difficult for women, particularly if they lack experience in certain areas. Similarly, there are limited leadership opportunities for women. The top positions in agricultural businesses or organisations are frequently dominated by men, with a number of notable exceptions. Crucially, women are also under-represented in key agricultural organisations and policymaking bodies. That perpetuates problems, leading to policy bias, inequality and the reinforcement of gender stereotypes. It also reduces political engagement and trust. Such situations ultimately slow progress and prevent more comprehensive and well-rounded solutions that benefit the sector and society. Furthermore, agriculture is, without doubt, a demanding profession, often requiring long hours and a heavy physical workload. That can make it difficult for anyone to achieve a healthy work-life balance but can be particularly problematic for women, especially, as previously mentioned, those who are primary caregivers, when trying to balance work and family responsibilities.

Additionally, we need to ensure that women in agriculture have the same access to training and education opportunities to enable them to develop skills that could enhance a farm management or agri-business or make it more effective and efficient. Historically, agricultural training programmes have been tailored to men, and that needs to change. To assist, we need to ensure that there are adequate mentorship opportunities for women. Feedback that my colleagues and I have received from stakeholders highlighted a lack of networking opportunities to meet other farmers or industry leaders.

Women's contributions to farming are all too often underappreciated or, indeed, overlooked, especially if they are not considered as primary farm managers. As we have heard, the barriers to the full participation of women in agriculture are multifaceted and require urgent action. The under-representation of women in agriculture not only affects their rights and interests but undermines the development of more inclusive, effective and efficient policies and practices. The imbalance limits the sector's potential for growth, innovation and diversification.

I fully endorse the recommendation of the Committee's March 2022 "Breaking the Grass Ceiling" report, and I support the motion and, indeed, the amendment.

I am delighted to discuss the crucial role of women in farming, an industry long dominated by men despite women's vital yet often invisible contributions. Agriculture is the backbone of rural communities, and it is essential that we address the barriers that women face in farm management. As we look to the future, we must ensure that women have equal opportunities to thrive and lead in that vital sector.

The "Breaking the Grass Ceiling" report from the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee was an important step towards gender equality in farming. Launched on International Women's Day in 2022, it shed light on the challenges that women face culturally, socially and economically, whilst recognising their invaluable role in modern agriculture. With 98% of respondents affirming women's contributions to farm productivity, the report underscored the need for targeted support, including training and financial aid. I welcome its findings and fully support its call for action, urging DAERA to implement meaningful changes that empower women and secure a more inclusive future for farming.

In my constituency of south Armagh, the Rural Health Partnership launched a project entitled "Women in Farming: More than Standing in a Gateway". The initiative challenges outdated views of the roles of women in agriculture, highlighting their vital contributions as farmers, farmhands, office managers and caregivers. The project deserves recognition as it closely aligns with the "Breaking the Grass Ceiling" report, highlighting and addressing the barriers that women face in agriculture. By tackling isolation, inequality and limited access to services, it plays a key role in strengthening rural communities and ensuring that the invaluable contribution of women in agriculture is fully recognised and supported.

Some positive changes are transforming agriculture into a more inclusive industry. CAFRE is helping to drive that progress, with more women stepping into leadership roles in farm management and sustainability. More women than ever pursue agricultural education, proving that the future of farming is diverse, dynamic and open to all. However, further support is needed, including financial resources and training. The Farming for the Generations scheme claims to support new farmers, yet it removes direct financial aid and entitlement access, creating major barriers for those without family land. That disproportionately impacts on women, who already face challenges in breaking into the industry. Initiatives such as the farm business improvement scheme and the farm family key skills programme have seen female participation, but women still represent just 4% of those in business development groups, which highlights the need for more targeted actions.

The financial support offered by DAERA for part-time students eases the challenge of balancing farm, family and education. The widening access and participation plan will further support women through bursaries and greater opportunities in agriculture. That work aligns with global initiatives such as the UN's International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, which highlights women's vital role in agri-food systems. Women make up 39% of the global agricultural workforce but still face discrimination in land ownership, financial access and pay. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is committed to addressing those disparities, and we must continue to support those efforts in the North.

The South of Ireland is leading the way in supporting women in farming with initiatives such as the Women & Agriculture awards and fairer tax policies. In contrast, the British Government's proposed inheritance tax changes in the North will make it harder for women to inherit or transfer land.

Living in south Armagh, I see the stark difference. Just a mile across the border, schemes such as Making Farms Work for Women and targeted agriculture modernisation schemes 3 (TAMS 3) provide real support, offering grants of up to 60% for trained women farmers, while women in the North have no such opportunities. We need an all-Ireland approach to ensure that women in farming, no matter where they live, have equal access to the support and resources that they need to succeed.

The future of agriculture depends on the full participation of women. Farming is a way of life that requires passion, dedication and resilience. To any woman considering a career in agriculture, I urge you to go for it. Farming needs fresh ideas, strong leaders and hard-working individuals, and there absolutely is a place for you in that industry.

For many years, women have played a significant role in our agriculture sector. However, they have never been fully recognised for the work that they have done or the support that they have provided to their family farm business. In other words, it was far too often taken for granted that that was simply part of their role as a farmer's wife. With agriculture being a catalyst for household prosperity and economic growth across Northern Ireland, not only is ensuring that farm businesses are profitable, productive and sustainable for the future essential but encouraging more women to have a career in the sector while promoting those already forging ahead in the industry is crucial.

Farming has always been and continues to be a challenging sector for everyone involved in it, regardless of age or gender, with our farmers having to work unsocial hours and contend with inclement weather, food production, global markets and all the other hurdles that they face daily. Therefore, if the House is serious about encouraging more women into the agriculture industry, action must be taken to remove the barriers that hinder them in coming into the sector. A number of those are highlighted in the motion today. However, delivering on those actions will require a change in attitude across society, and the Minister must take action on the recommendations in the 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' Committee report. For the Minister and even the House, I suppose, to simply pay lip service to those recommendations and to fail to take action will be nothing short of an insult to women already in the sector and those planning to make it a future career.

The Northern Ireland Rural Women's Network (NIRWN) highlighted to the AERA Committee the two key issues facing women: childcare and caring responsibilities. The DUP Minister has delivered for working families through the childcare subsidy scheme, which makes working families £160 per month better off.

The Agriculture Minister must now step up to the mark by exploring options for supporting farming families as they develop and grow their business.

Reports from other jurisdictions have shown that government initiatives have borne fruit, with increasing numbers of women taking on job roles in the agriculture sector as a result. Although agriculture is an accessible career with plenty of opportunities, it nevertheless relies on new ideas and on the skills and talents of young men and women to provide it with a sustainable future. With the new Farming for the Generations scheme planned to commence in 2026, it is crucial that young women be involved in its design, as it has been proven through studies that they are more willing to invest in sustainable farming practices and technologies. Should the Minister continue to focus on an aggressive net zero policy that fails to balance the importance of agriculture production, food security and the ongoing vitality of adequate farm support, that will inevitably lead not only to women but young men leaving the industry.

Representing the West Tyrone constituency, a vast rural area that is populated with many farm businesses, I see at first hand the support that women give and the role that they play on the family farm, from doing hands-on tasks to completing paperwork while balancing a part-time job and looking after the household's needs. In many of those families, the young girls perhaps do more work than the young fellas. That happens time and again. Support for women in the agriculture sector is therefore vital. I urge the Minister to take urgent steps to address the situation by producing proposals that will provide hope, support and encouragement to women in the sector.

I welcome the broad support across the House for the motion, which seeks to formalise the role of women in the agriculture sector, because, as others have acknowledged, we all know that women are very often at the heart of farms and very much involved in their daily operation. I can attest to that. I am a farmer's daughter and the daughter of a farmer's wife who herself was a farmer's daughter and whose mother was a farmer's daughter and a farmer's wife. Most of the time, one will find that, in such situations, that person is as involved in the farm business as anybody else in the family is. I think particularly of my paternal grandmother, who was a farmer's wife and would have been recognised as such, but she milked the cows every day, collected the eggs, reared the family and did everything else in between. She was therefore as much a farmer as anybody else in the house was. My own contribution to farming is limited. I cannot boast to being as involved as my colleague Áine behind me. My contribution is confined to standing in the gap or feeding the odd pet lamb. That is as much help as I provide. Otherwise, I would be a hindrance.

I have reflected on comments from other Members. We acknowledge that farming is a business, and, in most households, everybody ends up being involved whether they want to be or not. It is mainly the women in the household who fill in the movement books, are responsible for the tax returns and do all the other farming tasks that are as much a part of making the business a success as the hands-on, out-and-about work. Women are also heavily involved in that an awful lot of the time, yet they do not get the recognition that they deserve. Barriers are put in place for them. It is about recognising that and providing support to ensure that women can be recognised as farmers in their own right, as opposed to their being just an add-on or somebody who is —.

I thank the Member for taking an intervention. Like her, I am a farmer's daughter, and my mother was a farmer's wife. I absolutely agree about the support that is required. The Minister should consider what work can be done with schools and in other education settings to encourage young women to enter the sector and to ensure that they know that, when they do so, they will be given the appropriate support.

The Member has an extra minute.

I thank the Member for her intervention. I agree completely. That is what it is about. It is about supporting women to come into the sector, removing those structural inequalities and barriers and trying to ensure that everybody is on a fair footing and has an equal place in the industry. I commend the motion to the House.

Many times, when we talk in the Chamber about agriculture, we recognise that farming is the backbone of our rural economy. Farming is absolutely massive and so important, yet half of the population who live rurally face systemic and cultural barriers to entering it and thriving in it. Women are significantly under-represented across agriculture, not due to a lack of skill, passion or determination but because the sector remains shaped by outdated structures and attitudes that favour male succession, male decision makers and male workforce norms. Multiple reports, including the 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' legacy report from my Committee, have laid bare the obstacles: limited access to land; traditional inheritance practices; lack of financial support; exclusion from decision-making roles; and, as many Members have picked up on today, training opportunities that do not account for the realities that women face. The evidence is there — the need for change is undeniable — yet, unless we deliberately challenge and change the narrative in every room where the conversation happens, we will be doomed to rinse and repeat the failures.

One of the most persistent cultural barriers is the outdated view of faming as purely heavy manual labour. Running a farm today, we know, involves far more than that: financial planning, regulatory compliance, environmental management and navigating layers of bureaucracy that are burdensome yet essential. Let us be clear: the financial pressures facing farm families have never been more severe. Women are already central to farm businesses, often taking on essential but undervalued roles while being excluded from areas such as farm leadership, decision-making and land ownership.

The problems start much earlier, beyond the farm gate. Careers advice in schools has not been fit for purpose. I will speak about a leading female farmer, a woman whom I admire greatly. Lorraine Killen is a leading voice in the sector. She spoke about the inheritance tax changes at the recent UFU conference at the Eikon Exhibition Centre. She recalled how, as a 16-year-old aspiring farmer, she was steered away from farming by her careers teacher, not because she lacked the ability but, perhaps, because she was a girl. How many talented young women have been pushed down a different path because of the same outdated thinking?

If other sectors can recognise and remove structural barriers, why can we not do it in agriculture? I will give some personal experience. The Fire Service, in which I used to work, once assumed that you could succeed only with a certain physical reach or strength. Instead of continuing to exclude capable recruits, the Fire Service designed out those barriers: it adapted ladders, reduced equipment weight without sacrificing performance and mechanised tasks where possible. What was the result? A fairer, more inclusive service without any loss of efficiency. The same can and should happen in agriculture. It is time that we asked the Minister — as we are doing — to step into that space and implement real reforms that ensure that women are not just supporting farm businesses but leading them. Let us break the grass ceiling once and for all.

Minister Muir, you have up to 15 minutes to respond to the debate.

Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank the Members for tabling the motion. I am happy to support the motion and the amendment.

The debate comes just after we all marked International Women's Day on Saturday. I pay tribute to the women who, every day, make a difference in the Chamber, our constituencies, my Department and, of course, our agriculture, environment and fisheries sectors. The theme of this year's International Women's Day was, "Accelerate action", and there was good reason for that. It is clear that progress towards gender parity has been made in public life and agriculture, but the World Economic Forum estimates that, at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 — five generations — to reach full gender parity. We need to be concerned about the under-representation of women in any sector. It is right that we seek to accelerate action and drive improvement. That point was also picked up in the 2022 report 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling', as referenced in the motion, which found that 98% of respondents to the survey that formed part of it agreed that women help improve farm productivity. Only 50% agreed that farming offers equal opportunities for men and women, and, shockingly, only 15% agreed that women are treated fairly in farm succession. I assure Members that I and my Department have been playing our part not just in taking forward recommendations from the report but in looking more widely at the barriers that exist. That includes the work of our College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, the progress that we want to make through my sustainable agriculture programme (SAP) and the work that we are doing on rural development.

I am both proud and delighted that enrolment on to CAFRE's agriculture courses continues to attract a high number of females, and I am determined to do all that we can to support women at all levels as they progress through their education programmes. Whilst that is encouraging, I recognise that some of those women will face barriers as they aspire to take over their family farm or start a new farm business. We are exploring that in the delivery of the Farming for the Generations pilot scheme. Issues with female succession were highlighted in the scheme awareness campaign and will feature in upcoming planning for succession workshops. In those workshops, the role of women in business will be emphasised, including the vital role of those women who are in jobs off the farm but who make a key contribution to the viability of the farm business. The mentor will work with all members of the farming family to support them in developing a succession plan that meets the needs and aspirations of all. The evaluation of the pilot will consider the impact of the scheme on encouraging the succession of female farmers into the business.

Across my Department, we are also working to develop a new evidence-based rural policy for consultation. I have met rural stakeholders and reiterated my intention for co-design and collaboration to form a key central element of that policy. Recognising the crucial role that women play in our rural communities, I want to work with partners to make sure that the new policy makes a significant contribution to the "Accelerate action" theme, with a particular focus on breaking down barriers and cultivating opportunities for women in agriculture. My officials continue to engage with rural stakeholders, and it is my intention that the draft proposals will be consulted on this year. I am also conscious of the importance of leading by example. We cannot call on others to play their part if we are not doing so ourselves. I am proud of the work that my Department is doing to champion women in leadership roles, and I encourage Members to review the videos that we posted on social media at the weekend that show just some of the key roles that women play across the Department.

The 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' report called on my Department to do more to:

"ensure that appropriate equality, diversity and unconscious bias training is provided to its staff" and to improve the diversity of representation on its boards. I confirm that the Department provides training in that area and works with other Departments on that, including through the Civil Service's diversity champions network.

We have our own departmental diversity champion, and I am proud that we also provide wider leadership in the area. One of our deputy secretaries is a Northern Ireland Civil Service gender champion, and our permanent secretary is the joint Northern Ireland Civil Service diversity and inclusion champion. We are also working hard to ensure that women are properly represented at the top of our organisation, particularly on the boards of non-departmental public bodies. I am pleased with the progress that we have made, but there is no room for complacency.

The motion and the amendment call on me, as Minister, to take action, and I have outlined my commitment to do so. Members should have no doubt about the fact that I and my Department will play our part. However, genuine equality of opportunity for women in our farming and agri-food sector must be driven not just by government but by the sector itself. That requires leadership not just by encouraging women to come forward but by creating conditions that make it possible. That means leadership in showcasing the significant roles that women play across the industry; leadership in ensuring that meetings, engagements and public events actively encourage and visibly include women leaders; and, crucially, leadership in challenging misogyny and outdated attitudes towards women.

On that issue, as reflected in the amendment, the report from the diversity and inclusion review, commissioned by the National Farmers' Union Scotland, makes interesting and concerning reading. It recognises the importance of the organisation being:

"more representative of the wide range of people involved in and connected to" farm businesses. It highlights examples of areas in which improvement is needed if diversity is truly to be valued. Those include language, behaviours and the management of meetings and events. I invite the industry and those who represent it to read NFU Scotland's report, consider which of the findings could apply to their organisation and decide to take action to ensure that, whatever their organisation's role, they do everything that they can to challenge outdated attitudes and ensure that diversity and inclusion are not just talked about but actively and visibly embraced.

The amendment specifically references partnership working to increase women's:

"participation and leadership within the agriculture sector."

Partnership is crucial if, together, we are to make a difference. I thank the Members involved in bringing this important topic to the Floor and am happy to support the amendment and the motion.

Thank you very much, Minister. I call John Blair to make a winding-up speech on the amendment. John, you have five minutes.

Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank the Sinn Féin Members for bringing this important motion to the Chamber for discussion. The debate has been constructive, featured many insightful contributions and highlighted the urgent matter of women's under-representation in the agriculture sector. Members have shared alarming statistics, telling a story of missed potential and talent. Women have long been essential contributors to agriculture, yet their roles often go unacknowledged and their voices unheard. Addressing that reality cannot be achieved overnight, but we must start by making significant strides towards change and real progress.

As we near the end of this vital debate, I will take a moment to reflect on some of the key points that Members made. After that, I will emphasise the importance of our amendment.

The debate began with Áine Murphy proposing the motion and referencing the fact that women often spearhead development and yet remain under-represented. That very much set the tone for the debate. In proposing the amendment, my colleague Sian Mulholland spoke of the lack of access to opportunities and the training barriers. She pointed out that the participation of women in agriculture in her constituency of North Antrim is 9·8%.

Michelle McIlveen spoke of the stereotype of the male farmer, despite the fact that women are often the glue that holds the farm set-up together. She spoke of historical structural barriers. Diana Armstrong said that the biggest challenge is getting the change in attitude that is required. Tellingly, she shared the voice of farmers' wives from her rural constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone, quoting her constituent Vicki Byers. Patsy McGlone spoke about the UFU's Women in Agriculture programme, and there were contributions from other AERA Committee members including its Chair, Robbie Butler, although he was not speaking in that capacity, Tom Buchanan and Aoife Finnegan.

As my colleague Sian Mulholland highlighted, the Alliance amendment underscores the importance of fostering strong relationships and open channels of communication between the Department, the agriculture sector and representative organisations. That collaboration is essential for implementing effective and enduring strategies that enhance female involvement and leadership in the industry. It is crucial that there is a role for representative bodies in that. The AERA Minister has taken steps to enhance female involvement in the sector, notably through the launch of the Farming for the Generations pilot scheme. In his response to the debate, he highlighted that scheme in particular, as well as other progress that has been made and progress that is planned.

Importantly, our amendment underscores the fact that the Minister's goals cannot be achieved by the Minister or the Department acting alone. The active collaboration and participation from the agriculture sector that I spoke about is vital to that effort, facilitating a greater exchange of ideas and the sharing of resources and expertise. Although Alliance supports the motion, I hope that Members will support my party's amendment, as it will make the motion better suited to bringing about the systemic change that is necessary in order to amplify women's voices and to reinforce our dedication to a more inclusive future for the agriculture sector. It also acknowledges the responsibilities of partners and encourages their participation. I hope that, as we move forward, the House, as one, can support the motion and the amendment with one voice.

I call Declan McAleer to conclude the debate and make a winding-up speech on the motion. Declan, you have 10 minutes.

Thank you. I thank everyone for their constructive participation in today's debate. I was Chair of the Committee when the 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' report was produced. I am glad that the report has not been left to sit and gather dust but is still a live document and that the Department is progressing some of its actions.

I have many memories from when the report was being produced, but something that I remember most — everything has been touched on today — is that quite a number of females were very anxious about taking part in the study. They sourced my constituency office phone number to ring me up and share their experiences, because they did not want to be identified. The shared experience was that they had worked on the farm and were its natural inheritors; they had done all the hard yards and heavy lifting. However, when it came to inheriting the farm, they were looked over, and it went to the male in the family who perhaps had no role in the farm. The females who contacted me continued to labour under that shadow and did not want to cause any rifts in the family, but it was a source of annoyance to them. It was very sad that the women felt that they could not be heard to say that, but they still wanted their voices to be heard. Their voices are reflected in the report.

John did a good job of summing up the debate, but I want to touch on some bits. Áine mentioned that only 5% of principal farmers are female and that that is a gross under-representation, but there is hope because 53% of the students doing agriculture courses are female, and that is good. Sian Mulholland famously mentioned not just the "glass ceiling" but the "sticky floor", and that is a very memorable comment. She also mentioned the importance of partnership and the whole-sector approach.

Michelle McIlveen made the point that women are the unseen glue that holds the farm business together. She stressed the importance of continuing to invest in encouraging young women into the sector and said that the Farming for the Generations scheme is an opportunity to shape the policy.

Diana Armstrong said that the male-dominated culture and attitude need to be addressed. She gave a good example about a constituent called Vicki, who was not from a farming background but has embraced farming and become a strong advocate, which she very eloquently explained.

Patsy McGlone highlighted the fact that women face too many barriers. He concluded by saying that the imbalance is not only wrong but inhibits the growth of the agriculture sector.

Aoife Finnegan referred to her experience of the Rural Health Partnership report in South Armagh, and that was very illuminating. There may be an opportunity to forward the report to the Department, if it does not already have it, so that it can look at some of the learning. Aoife also mentioned the all-Ireland approach. She sees the example of farms, down the road from her constituency of South Armagh, where very practical measures have been put in place by the Irish Government to encourage female participation in farming.

Tom Buchanan made the point that women are taken for granted and labelled as "the farmer's wife". He said that action needs to be taken to remove the barriers and that societal change is also needed. Agriculture needs new ideas, and it is very important that young women are involved in the co-design of the Farming for the Generations scheme.

Emma Sheerin gave her experience of being a farmer's daughter and described the multitasking role that women play on the farm. They are working on the farm, but they also take on most of the responsibility for rearing the family. A lot of women do the unseen work behind the scenes, such as the administration of the herd's movements.

Robbie Butler said that the sector had been shaped by outdated structures. He gave a good example from his experience from the Fire and Rescue Service, where those structures were removed. In an intervention from Linda Dillon, the issue of schools and education was addressed. It is sad, and, in Robbie's contribution, he mentioned that, because of outdated stereotypes amongst careers teachers in some schools, many women had been put off going into farming. He gave a very good example from his personal experience of the Fire and Rescue Service.

The Minister said that the debate was timely, following on from International Women's Day, and that, if progress goes at the current pace, it will be 2158 before there is full gender parity. He referenced his sustainable agriculture policy, with Farming for the Generations looking at the barriers to women. He said that his new rural policy that is under construction is being co-designed and that that is the central feature of it. He said that that will focus on breaking down barriers to "Accelerate action" and that gender equality is a focus for DAERA. He also said that this cannot just be done by the Department or the Government but that there is a huge role for the sector with a bottom-up approach. He said that outdated attitudes must be challenged, and he also challenged organisations to read the NFU Scotland report and implement its findings. He said that partnership is crucial if we want to make a difference.

Question, That the amendment be made, put and agreed to.

Main Question, as amended, put and agreed to.

Resolved:

That this Assembly notes with concern the significant under-representation of women in the agriculture sector; recognises the structural and cultural barriers that limit women’s participation, including traditional inheritance practices, access to land, finance, training and decision-making roles; acknowledges the vital role that women play in farm businesses, rural communities and the agri-food industry; understands the huge benefits to be gained from their increased contribution; further notes the recommendations in the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' report; notes the January 2025 'Diversity and Inclusion Review: Final Report' by the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to encourage a partnership approach between his Department, the agriculture industry and representative bodies to work together on measures and initiatives to increase female participation and leadership within the agriculture sector.

Members, please take your ease.

(Mr Deputy Speaker [Dr Aiken] in the Chair)