European Commission Representation in Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine celebrate women's key role in agriculture

The event is organised jointly with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It provides an opportunity for farmers, experts and policy makers to debate and exchange views and innovative ideas on women’s crucial role in the Irish farming sector. 

The event will be opened by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D.. 

AgriLand editor Stella Meehan will moderate a panel discussion with: 

• Ailbhe Gerrard, Farmer, Brookfield Farm, ACORNS Community Member
• Dr Anne-Marie Butler, Head of Education Programme, TEAGASC
• Karen McCabe, Farmer & Columnist, Irish Farmers Journal
• Dr Maura Farrell, Lead Coordinator, EU Horizon Europe FLIARA.

Martin Heydon T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, said: 

“Women have always played a vital role in shaping farms across generations of farming families, yet their contributions have too often gone unrecognised. Increasing that recognition is priority for me and is reflected in the Programme for Government. Our goal is to increase the representation of women as farm holders and key decision-makers in agriculture and develop a more inclusive and equitable future for the sector.”

Peter Power, Head of the European Commission Representation in Dublin said: 

“Women in agriculture have been neglected for too long. Through “WOMEN STEP INTO FARMING”, we hope to inspire a new generation of women to step into farming and drive positive change in agriculture.”

Dr Maura Farrell, Lead Coordinator, EU Horizon Europe FLIARA, said: 

"Empowering women in agriculture is essential to building a sustainable and inclusive future for farming. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Irish women in shaping the agricultural landscape and highlight the importance of their leadership in driving innovation and growth in the sector. Support from Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine alongside the European Commission is imperative in fostering an environment where women can thrive and lead the way forward."

The European Commission Representation in Ireland is also running an information campaign 'WOMEN STEP INTO FARMING' with videos online and on social media. It aims to inspire more women to pursue careers in agriculture, while also promoting a more sustainable and innovative approach to farming. 

The campaign showcases the experiences and perspectives of three Irish women farmers: Sophie Bell; Hannah Quinn Mulligan, and Teresa Roche. The videos highlight the essential role that women play in shaping the future of agriculture. They discuss their experiences, challenges, and successes in implementing sustainable practices, adopting innovative technologies, and promoting generational renewal in the farming sector. 

The campaign is part of broader efforts by the European Commission to support the development of a more equal, resilient, and forward-looking agricultural sector. Attracting more women to the farming profession an objective of the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, published on 18 February 

Later this year, the European Commission will present a Generational Renewal Strategy, addressing the barriers faced by young and new entrants to the farming sector. This strategy will build on the Commission's ongoing work to promote sustainable agriculture, support rural development and foster innovation in the agricultural sector.