Farmers in Scotland have been given new guidelines which including rephrasing the common term “farmer’s wife” and attending LGBT marches.
Members of the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland were given the guidelines as part of a “diversity and inclusion” initiative.
Farmers were also told to make sure “quiet” people felt comfortable enough to speak in meetings.
The drive comes after a survey indicated that some farmers were making sexist and racist remarks in public – even referring to ex-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s legs.
A survey of NFUS members revealed it was not uncommon to come across “discriminatory practices” at gatherings which could leave the body “open to legal action or exposure in the press”.
The report claimed members were engaging in “pub chat inappropriate for a board meeting but OK for a night out at 10pm on a Friday”.
It said: “(At) some meetings, there can be inappropriate comments, for example ‘Nicola Sturgeon – the only good thing about her is her legs’.”
The report, produced by the NFUS’ diversity and inclusion lead Caroline Millar, also called on farmers to axe a common phrase.
“The ‘farmer’ is not a man. It can be a man or a woman. People in leadership positions need to use correct terminology. Don’t use farmer’s wife”, the report stated.
The report adds: “Ensuring quiet people get a chance to speak – so people who are anxious might not get put on spot.”
It concludes: “NFU Scotland could make a consistent effort to support initiatives such as… taking part in a Pride march to give a clear message to gay people who may assume NFU Scotland is not for them.
“Talks by openly gay speakers connected to agriculture.”
Slamming the report, Tory rural affairs secretary Tim Eagle said: “While it is vital farming encourages entrants from all backgrounds, serious questions must be asked as to why this was such a priority.
“Farmers would have hoped those who claim to speak for them to be focused on SNP cuts to the rural budget and the impact of Labour’s Family Farm Tax.”
NFUS chief executive John Davidson said: “Publishing this report in full and committing to its recommendations sends a strong and positive signal that NFU Scotland is serious about diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
“Our membership is full of inspiring people and creating an environment where more of them are willing to get involved directly with the organisation can only be a good thing.
“That’s what we will focus on in the weeks and months ahead.”
