Ladies in Pigs (LIPs) was duly recognised as one of British farming’s “dynamic groups” today, featuring as part of a Defra statement released to mark International Women’s Day.
LIPs, alongside Ladies in Beef, was described by Defra as a “fantastic example of women who are at the forefront of promoting quality British produce at home and overseas”.
The Defra statement was released as leading women farmers from around the country joined Secretary of State, Elizabeth Truss, to celebrate women’s contributions to British farming and to debate the issues surrounding the increasing number of women who are now looking to the industry for a rewarding career.
“This is positive and exciting,” said Ms Truss (pictured above). “Farming, like any industry, needs to attract new talent and ideas and harness the skills of both young women and men.
“International Women’s Day provides us with an excellent opportunity to celebrate the contribution women are making to farming; from agricultural engineering to food production and advising retailers and supermarkets.
“With agriculture often perceived as a male-dominated industry, it’s important we recognise the leading role women are playing. Now, I want to see the industry build on this and for more women to be taking on jobs in farming.”