The weight of form filling has highlighted the problems faced by farmers with dyslexia, and has led to Scotland’s deputy chief agricultural officer suggesting the establishment of a Farming with Dyslexia working group.
NFU Scotland has also called for cross-party support for a campaign to raise awareness of the problems faced by farmers with dyslexia and triple world champion racing driver Sir Jackie Stewart, the president of Dyslexia Scotland, has voiced support.
Dyslexia which is classified as a specific learning difficulty is known to be hereditary.
It is now recognised that at least 10% of the population are likely to be dyslexic, with 4% of those being severely dyslexic.
However, in the farming community this percentage could be far higher. SRUC, Scotland’s rural college, has confirmed that 25% of its agriculture students are dyslexic.
It is believed that those affected are spread across all the academic courses and are not specific to any one group.
To better understand the issue, the NFUS has been working in recent months alongside a member with dyslexia who has experienced some difficulties in coping with the level of red tape and form-filling now associated with the sector.
This included problems completing some of the forms regularly issued by the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspection Directorate (SGRPID).
Work has been ongoing with Dyslexia Scotland, the Scottish Government and SRUC, and there is now better recognition that dyslexia can cause significant disadvantage for farmers and crofters in their dealings with SGRPID.
Now NFU Scotland has written to Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages.
NFUS president Nigel Miller said: “We have opened discussions with Dyslexia Scotland, SRUC and SGRPID and are pleased that all have responded positively.
“In particular, the suggestion from Roy McLachlan, deputy chief agricultural officer, to consider setting up a Farming with Dyslexia working group is warmly welcomed.
“One of our main aims is to try to remove the stigma that many people with dyslexia feel about their condition.
“Dyslexia is a disability recognised under the Equalities Act 2010.
“The Act helpfully explains that having due regard for advancing equality involves removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by people; taking steps to meet the needs of people where these are different from others; and encouraging people from protected groups to participate in public life or in other activities where their participation is disproportionately low.
“We believe that in order to ensure that farmers and crofters who have dyslexia are better supported, SGRPID must make stronger efforts to adhere to the key principles of the Equality Act and accommodate the needs of their dyslexic customers.
“We are keen to hear from our members with dyslexia, or indeed family members. We would ask them to come forward, in confidence, to share their experiences with a view to driving positive change for the future.
“This is the time to address the issue before the next generation of farmers with dyslexia graduate from college, where they have received good and appropriate support, only to be faced by all the associated form filling and paperwork of modern day farming.”
Sir Jackie Stewart said: “I am a severe dyslexic. The frustration that a dyslexic person can have by not being able to do things like fill in forms is something that people who do not understand learning disabilities have difficulty in comprehending.
“This is particularly true when forms and official papers have to be handled.
“A large percentage of dyslexics are so embarrassed that they do not want to admit that they cannot read or write as well as other folks but the frustration that it causes and the disruption it can lead to can be very serious, not only for the person involved but also for society in general.
“Dyslexics can be very creative and very successful but far too many, who are not given help and assistance, can end up in very sad circumstances.
“I congratulate NFU Scotland for taking this matter to the highest levels to ensure that those dyslexic members are given the help and assistance that will allow them to produce for the community and the nation.”