Introduction from our Chair Cora Cooper

As the new chair of Women In Agriculture Scotland, I’d like to introduce myself and let you know about an incredible event WiAS is hosting next month in Orkney.  Our first time taking WiAS to the islands!

I’m so excited to be the new chair for women in agriculture Scotland.  This is my third year on the committee.  As a first generation farmer, I hope that I can demonstrate the opportunities, flexibility and inclusivity that agriculture and it’s linked sectors offer women.

I’m looking forward to building upon the excellent work over the last few years to increase our membership and profile.  Women in Agriculture Scotland provides a safe and inclusive space for all within our industry, and will continue to do so.

Together with my husband David we own and run a five thousand and fifty acre sustainable hill sheep farm in East Ayrshire with three thousand five hundred ewes.  Before becoming a farmer, I have extensive experience in PR & Marketing and a law degree from Glasgow University. The title that gives me most pride is being mamma to three very energetic children who are 4, 7 and 9.

I am incredibly passionate about the positive role that farming can play in nature recovery, that we can do both, and that it doesn’t need to be one or the other.  Being a part of the conversations in nature recovery, just transition, climate change, net zero, and food security is key.  I try to do this across the different groups I am part of.  I sit on the RSPB Scotland Advisory Committee, NFUS Environment and Land Use Committee, QMS Climate and Nature Leadership Group and the Nature Friendly Farming Network Scotland Steering group.

Agriculture is a vital sector to Scotland and can enhance and deliver a resilient landscape to tackle these global issues.

I understand first hand the challenges and opportunities our sector faces and hope to champion our collective voice for all that makes the industry a fantastic place to be but also the many public goods that we deliver daily.

We all need to pull together now more than ever and I am hoping to strengthen our connections with other groups and give us a voice in decisions which impact us.