Victoria Atkins: Why Westminster needs more farming people

A farmer’s resilience, practical outlook and problem-solving approach could teach politicians valuable lessons, according to Conservative shadow Defra secretary Victoria Atkins.

Speaking to the Women in Agriculture Network on Thursday (16 July), Ms Atkins said stepping away from Westminster and spending time on farms offers a welcome reminder of the realities facing rural communities.

“After a very tough week in Westminster, there is nothing nicer than walking on somebody’s farm and having a cup of tea and just chewing the cud about farming and what’s going on in the local habitat that day, or that week, or that season.”

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Drawing on her own career as a criminal barrister, government minister and now shadow Defra secretary, Ms Atkins said the qualities needed to succeed in farming are equally valuable in politics.

“If you’ve been out in the early morning having to deal with whatever you’re farming – whether it’s livestock or the weather has been incredibly unkind – my goodness me, that gives you a steadfastness that I think a lot of people don’t realise is needed in politics,” she said.

A different perspective 

Ms Atkins believes parliament would benefit from having more people with first-hand agricultural experience, arguing that farming brings a perspective often missing from political debate.

“You need to be steadfast. You need to be resilient. It’s not an easy game, and farming sets you up for that.”

She encouraged more women from the industry to consider public office, saying they have the confidence, resilience and leadership skills needed to influence decision-making.

“We need more women in leadership positions in farming,” she added.

“If you’ve got a good point, if you’ve thought about something and you want that point to be heard, then don’t allow others to talk over you or dismiss you.”

Growing confidence

Having visited agricultural shows and livestock markets across the country, Ms Atkins said she had been encouraged by the growing confidence of young women in the sector.

“Once you give them that invitation [to speak], they’ll stand up, seize it with great gusto and give their views, often quite forcefully, which I love,” she said.

Join the Women in Agriculture Network – a UK-wide community dedicated to celebrating, supporting and connecting women in agriculture, helping to build contacts, make career progress, and shape the future of the industry.