On International Rural Women's Day this week Copa and Cogeca, the two organisations representing farmers' unions and farm co-operatives across the European Union, underlined the importance rural women play in developing countries, but warned measures are needed to improve their situation and status.
In developing countries, rural women represent approximately 43 per cent of the agricultural labour force, and produce, process and prepare much of the food available, thereby giving them primary responsibility for food security.
Bearing in mind that 76 per cent of the extreme poor live in rural areas, ensuring rural women's access to productive agricultural resources contributes to decreasing world hunger and poverty.
Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said: "Women play a crucial role in rural economies - but measures need to be taken to improve their status and situation. The gender pay gap is all too clear. Women still face obstacles when entering and staying in the labour market.
"Closing the gender pay gap would contribute to a better use of a highly skilled female workforce and benefit the economy as a whole. It would also contribute to creating a more equal society.
"Women are paid 16 per cent less than men per hour of work. The gender gap in pensions stands at 39 per cent. The pay gap in rural areas is 10 per cent higher. This must be addressed.
Mr Pesonen went on: "Education and training needs to be improved as well as access to child care facilities. This can be encouraged under the Common Agricultural Policy."
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd held their annual suckled calve show and sale at Ayr on Thursday when 125 heifers sold to £2100 for the champion from Messrs Laird, Carbello and 672.7p per kg to average £768.99 and 255p per kg (+£63.60 on the year), while 285 bullocks peaked at £1700 and 400p to level at £810.82 and 252.4p (+£25.43).
Harrison & Hetherington Ltd had 309 store cattle forward in St Boswells on Thursday when heifers sold to £1110 and 252.9p to average £891 and 210.8p, while bullocks peaked at £1160 and 244.3p to level at £938 and 208p.
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 3051 prime in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £82 per head and 210p per kg to average 138.5p (-7.2p on the week).
A larger show of 4791 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £118 for Texels and average £64.53 (-£5.25), while light ewes peaked at £65 for Lleyns and levelled at £42.57 (+£1.79). Rams sold to £124 for a Suffolk and averaged £63.44.
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