Women in Agriculture

The Programme for Government recognises the need to do more on gender equality. As well as being a priority for the Government, gender equality is a key objective of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and a core principle of the European Union. The new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) Regulations place particular focus on promoting the participation of women in the socio-economic development of rural areas, with special attention to farming.

The facts about gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals

The CSO’s Census of Agriculture 2020 indicated women account for only 13% of the total 130,216 farm holders in Ireland. At the same time, results showed there were 75,113 female farm workers equating to 27% of the total 278,600 in Ireland. This points to over 58,000 women in Irish farming without visibility or farm holder status. The number of female workers in the primary agriculture, forestry and fishing sector has increased very slightly. Women therefore remain under-represented in the sector. To meet and align with the gender equality expectations and commitments of the agriculture sector in Ireland and in Europe, the visibility, equality and status of women in farming should be an integral part of the preparation, implementation and evaluation of future policy interventions and strategies. However, to underpin these interventions, more research on the topic is required to expand the evidence and knowledge base available to policymakers.

The CSO’s Farm Structure Survey 2023 showed women account for 13.2% of the 133,174 farm holders in Ireland and 34% of the 299,725 total farm workers. The under-representation of women poses a challenge to achieving gender equality in sector where female participation can be impeded by farm holder status, or lack thereof. The lack of access to key resources as a result, excludes their participation in support schemes and interventions by default. Increasing the visibility, equality, and status of women in farming is a key focus for future agricultural policies and strategies to meet gender equality expectations and commitments of the agriculture sector in Ireland and Europe.

The CAP 2023-2027 Regulations place a new focus on promoting the role of women in rural development, with special attention to farming. Ireland’s €9.8 billion CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) identified gender inequality as a weakness, while the economic benefits of increasing female participation was identified as an opportunity. In consultation with stakeholders, measures which will support greater gender equality have been included:

• An increased grant rate of 60% under the Capital Investment Scheme to fund investments by trained women farmers (TAMS 3).
• The promotion of women-only Knowledge Transfer Groups.
• Improved recording and reporting of gender data and the leveraging of the National CAP Network to increase the involvement of all women in the implementation of CAP.
• All CAP interventions will be developed with a gender-aware perspective to ensure there are no inherent barriers to women’s participation.
• In addition, European Innovation Partnerships offer an ideal opportunity for the sector to develop initiatives that will promote women’s participation in farming.

Our shared stakeholder strategy for the wider agri-food sector, recognises the importance of gender balance to the long-term sustainable future of the agri-food sector. The strategy includes actions and commitments to promote and improve gender balance at all levels within the sector over the 10-year period of the strategy, such as:

• Promoting women’s participation in farming through CAP Knowledge Transfer Groups.

• Capturing and publishing gender data on policy implementation.

• Representation of the sector in developing the next National Women and Girl’s Strategy

• Promoting and improving gender balance in the agri-food sector, but particularly at senior

management and board level.

• Promoting and supporting women’s networks and mentoring programmes, e.g. the

DAFM funded ACORNS programme for rural female entrepreneurs, established in 2015,

• Hosting a National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture.

A National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture with the theme of “Improving Gender Balance in the Agri-Food Sector” took place on 1 February 2023 at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

The event was hosted by Minister McConalogue and chaired by former Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan, Ireland’s first and only female Minister for Agriculture to date. Panel discussions involving high profile female leaders from the sector debated the topics of “The Role of Women in the Agri-Food Sector” and “Women in Farming – Challenges and Opportunities”. Guest speakers at the event included Ministers of State Hackett and Heydon, and Ms Julia Klockner, former German Minister for food and agriculture. The afternoon delivered several workshops exploring the experience of women in agriculture across the themes of of Education and Awareness, Leadership and Visibility, Financial and Legal matters and Sustainability (Social, Economic and Environmental).

The dialogue provided an opportunity for stakeholders to examine gender equality through open and constructive discussion, inputting on how we can work to increase the visibility and status of women in agriculture and the agri-food sector.

The Department has compiled outcomes of the dialogue into a Report, including a range of recommendations arising from workshops held on the day. The contents of the report can be viewed or downloaded below. Subsequently, a stakeholder working group consolidated these recommendations into an Action Plan.

National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture Report

A 12-point Action Plan has been compiled from the outcomes and recommendations arising from last year’s National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture. The actions cover a wide range of areas, all of which are important to the successful achievement of gender balance within the agriculture sector in Ireland. The was formally launched by Minister Charlie McConalogue and his colleagues Ministers of State Pippa Hackett and Martin Heydon on 31st January 2024.

The action plan can be viewed here.

The newly established Women in Agriculture Working Group has been tasked with facilitating and guiding the implementation of the action plan. The group is comprised of a range of representatives from across the sector as outlined below.

The group held its first meeting on 31st January 2024 to coincide with the launch of the action plan. Lead responsibility for each of the actions and desired outcomes have been agreed. Initial steps have been taken on several of the actions and the group will meet regularly to monitor progress. The group will provide updates to the Minister and to the Food Vision 2030 High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC).

Considerable progress has been made in achieving the government’s target of at least 40% female participation on the State Boards currently under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. The number of women on Boards has increased from 30 to 56. In September 2020 only 2 boards out of 12 at the time had reached the 40% gender target, whereas now 9 out of 13 have reached this target. All boards are asked to nominate both male and female candidates for roles across all boards to further progress this issue. The resulting visibility of female leadership will encourage more female participation at all levels in the sector.

To complement the work under the CAP Strategic Plan and Food Vision 2030, the Department has commissioned research projects under “The Policy and Strategic Studies Research Call”.

The "Highlighting pathways to Empower Rural women to have Sustainable & Equitable Livelihoods in Farming" (HER-SELF) project, will analyse existing data on farm income, payments, and capital investments to gain insights into the experience of women of all ages active in the agricultural sector.

It will also endeavour to identify any barriers/enablers and geographical differences in the participation levels, incomes and experiences of women involved in agriculture. The study seeks to establish a baseline position on women in farming and the agriculture sector and provide evidence to underpin future policy interventions and strategies in this area at both a national and local level. The 12-month study is expected to present its findings and recommendations in October 2025.

The "Gender and Generational Factors in Agricultural Resource Management for Sustainability" (GEN-FARMS) project, will explore the role of gender and age in driving innovation and adaptive practices that enhance both economic resilience and environmental sustainability, shaping farm practices in an agricultural sector facing increasing pressure to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. It will assess the current involvement of women and younger people in Irish agriculture. Examine the influence of women and younger people on farm performance e.g. economic viability, investment and environmental sustainability. Propose evidence-based recommendations for promoting more sustainable and equitable farming and ensuring a just transition for Irish agriculture in the face of climate change. By better understanding the intricate relationship between gender, age and farm sustainability future of farming practices. Findings and recommendations are expected in October 2025.

HOME - GRASS Ceiling - (Gender Equality in Rural and Agricultural Innovation Systems) is a multi-actor three-year project, funded by the European Union in the frame of Horizon Europe, grant agreement number 101083408. GRASS CEILING aims to empower rural women and increase the number of socio-ecological innovations led by women in agriculture, the rural economy and rural communities. The project will contribute to advancing the UN’s goals on gender parity, realise the EU Gender Equality Strategy, and achieve the goals of the Green Deal, the Farm to Fork strategy, the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas, and the European Pillar of Social Rights.

COPA COGECA Women’s Access to Finance Survey - The united voice of EU farmers and agri-cooperatives, advocating for a strong farming sector in the EU. The survey on Women’s Access to Credit and Finance in the Agriculture Sector aims to collect information around women farmers and/or rural women entrepreneurs' access to credit and finance.

TCD RESIST AMR project - Call for Research Participants - Antimicrobials are critical resources for human, animal, and plant health. With the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and lack of new antimicrobials, we face an unprecedented global environmental, food security and human health threat. Applying a multidisciplinary approach, the RESIST-AMR team will study environmental and human ‘resistomes’ from agricultural and clinical settings and analyse agricultural stakeholders’ practices and policies. Help contribute to better representation of female farmers in agricultural research by participating in this study on antibiotic use on Irish Beef and/or Poultry farms. Your participation will involve an interview during which researchers will enquire about your animal health and antibiotic use practices and decision-making processes and explore your views on related policies. Your participation would be greatly appreciated. To get involved, please fill out this short form and a member of the research team will contact you with more information. Queries can be addressed to the lead researcher, Addiena Luke-Currier, at LUKECURA@TCD.IE.

In April 2024 DAFM issued an open call for expressions of interest under the EIP programme on the theme of Gender Balance in Farming in Ireland. A total of nine proposals were received. The successful project Making Farms Work for Women is led by Claire Brennan, Agricultural Advisor. The project was awarded €650,000 of DAFM funding for implementation, raising further awareness and innovative ways of addressing gender balance in the sector and will address the needs of women on Irish farms in relation to working with machinery and livestock.

The new CAP Regulations 2023-2027 place particular focus on promoting the participation of women in the socio-economic development of rural areas, with special attention to farming. Member States are required to strengthen their capacity in gender mainstreaming and the collection of sex disaggregated data. Work is underway to review DAFM data collection processes and systems to ensure the capture of gender data for analysis. This data analysis will inform future policies around gender balance in Irish Farming and can be used to measure improvements in the position of women and young girls active in agriculture in Ireland.

Since 2015, the Department has provided support for rural female entrepreneurs under the ACORNS programme. The programme caters for up to 50 new female entrepreneurs in rural locations each year. Over 400 female entrepreneurs have participated in the programme since its introduction. The Programme usually runs from October to April each year. Participants in the programme have reported increased turnover, hiring of additional employees and expansion into exports during the period. The most recent ACORNS participants were very positive regarding their experience of the initiative with 100% stating they would recommend participating in ACORNS to others and would welcome a means of staying in contact with the ACORNS network.

ACORNS celebrates a decade of support for female entrepreneurship in rural Ireland with the launch of the 10th cycle of the business development programme. Applications for ACORNS 10 close at midnight September 20, 2024. There are up to 50 places available for ACORNS 10. Only early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland, and who have had no sales before the end of June 2021, are eligible to apply. ACORNS 10 will run from October 2024 to April 2025 and will include six monthly round table sessions, a workshop on understanding financials, a briefing by various development agencies and an end-of-cycle celebration. For more information or to apply visit ACORNS.

RTE Coverage of ACORNS programme - Female entrepreneurs in rural areas praise support group

February 2025

1st - CF Access to Finance Survey - Women’s Access to Credit and Finance in the Agriculture Sector: This survey aims to collect information around women farmers and/or rural women entrepreneurs' access to credit and finance. Your input will help us understand the challenges women face in accessing finance in the Agricultural Sector across the EU, whether it's for their farm business or an agricultural business linked to the agricultural sector. We also hope this survey will give insight into the types of farms and business led by women in rural areas.

6th – Farmer IT Skills course – LOETB – This 6-week course for adult learners will guide farmers through HerdWatch, WhatsApp, ICBF and Payments and more. 10am-12pm weekly at the Midlands Skills Centre, Axis Business Park, Tullamore, Co, Offaly R32 TF80. Contact tlatham@loetb.ie.

12th – Presentation of Women in Agriculture Studies Gender Equality and Excellence Award

Minister Heydon will present the winner of the award at UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science during UCDs Equality, Diversity and Inclusion week. This award recognises the winners contribution to improving gender equality through their studies and their interactions in school and the wider community.

13th – Mná na Mara - Údarás na Gaeltachta proudly presents key voices from Ireland’s maritime sector coming together to celebrate women’s contribution to the sector, foster connections and inspire the next generation. The event will take place in the Connemara Coastal Hotel, Galway.

18th - Laois Partnership Company says its new Entrepreneurship for Women in Agriculture programme while help women to embark on a journey of growth and empowerment. The course begins on Tuesday, February 18 at Bloom HQ, Mountrath. For more information, call Brian Kelly on 087 9727127 or email leader@laoispartnership.ie. You can also log onto www.laoispartnership.ie

March 2025

4th – Women Step into Farming Event – The European Commission Representation in Ireland in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will host a lunchtime stakeholder event to promote and celebrate women’s participation in farming and agriculture and discuss how European supports have been key to their success.

7th – HERSELF project report launch – The HERSELF research project, funded by DAFM, will formally launch their findings report at Maynooth University, Co. Kildare. The research explored the challenges and opportunities for women in Irish agriculture and puts forward recommendations for future policy in this area.

8th - International Women's Day - celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. #Accelerate Action #IWD2025

May 2025

28th - International day of action for women’s health

October 2025

10th – World Mental Health Day

15th - International Day of Rural Women - In 2008 the United Nations' (UN) formally recognised International Day of Rural Women as a day of global observance.

17th - National Women’s Enterprise Day - Ireland’s largest female enterprise event promotes, encourages and stimulates female entrepreneurship across Ireland. While support is available all year round, National Women’s Enterprise Day opens the prospect of entrepreneurship to women who may not have considered it before. It highlights what support is available, provides valuable networking opportunities and connections with industry experts, and celebrates the achievements of women in enterprise. It tackles issues affecting women in business from finance, marketing, innovation, and new product development to family, well-being, and mental health.

2026 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE WOMAN FARMER

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly have declare 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer to increase awareness of the crucial role that women farmers around the world play in agrifood systems, as well as their contributions to food security, nutrition and poverty eradication. In this regard, it will serve as a platform for the adoption of effective policies and actions against the barriers and challenges that women farmers face across agrifood systems, as well as to promote gender equality and the empowerment of all women in agriculture. The observance will also highlight the vital role of peasant women and other rural women in ensuring the economic survival of their families and contributing to both the rural and national economies.

It is important that women and young girls owning or working on farms are visible. To ensure this visibility it is important that women and young girls ensure they apply for a herd number in their own name, a joint herd number with a family member, a registered farm partnership or a herd keeper role all of which are recorded and reported on by DAFM.

Information regarding the herd number application process and to download the required application form(s) can be accessed here.

Thinking about becoming a Registered Farm Partnership? Find out more here.

Get to know a selection of our amazing Irish Female Farmers and Food Producers by checking out our farmer bio videos below:

https://ireland.representation.ec.europa.eu/projects/women-step-farming-succession-success-story-sophie-bell_en

https://ireland.representation.ec.europa.eu/projects/women-step-farming-hannah-quinn-mulligans-sustainability-journey_en

https://ireland.representation.ec.europa.eu/projects/women-step-farming-teresa-roches-farm-diversification-story_en

Networking and expanding your contacts is a great way to increase visibility and to gain mentorship from other women leaders in the sector. It provides peer support and creates an opportunity for knowledge transfer. Why not join or start a women’s networking group or circle in your area via the Leanin.org

CERES CERES – The Women in Agri-Business Leadership Network was founded to develop and promote leadership and diverse thinking within the industry. Through the delivery of a range of dynamic, engaging and thought-provoking events, the network aims to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and support.

ACORNS - The ACORNS programme has been designed to support early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland and runs over six months part-time. Based on a belief that entrepreneurs learn best from each other, the ACORNS initiative is centred around interactive round table sessions that are facilitated by female entrepreneurs, known as ‘Lead Entrepreneurs’, who have started and successfully grown businesses in rural Ireland.

Rural Women - Projects Brochure EU CAP Network (europa.eu)

- In line with the European Commission’s 2020-2025 Gender Equality Strategy, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) now includes a Specific Objective aimed at enhancing the position of women in farming and accelerating the social inclusion of rural women. This will be key in reducing the gender gap and advancing gender equality. CAP holds the potential to foster more inclusive rural areas by promoting rural women’s participation and recognition in local decision-making processes, businesses and communities. Featuring valuable perspectives and experiences demonstrating the CAP’s potential to help advance gender equality in rural areas.

Launch of the GRASS CEILING European Policy Forum for Women-led innovation -

The GRASS CEILING project seeks to empower rural and farm women and enhance their role in driving socio-ecological innovations, addressing pressing challenges, and fostering resilience in rural areas across nine European countries.

The changing Role of Women in Agriculture

Why gender equality is not just about women

Are you overwhelmed by the sheer volume of education and training options available for further and higher education? Are you trying to decide what course is best for you? There are lots of resources available to help you find out about the courses on offer and assist you in choosing the one that best fits your needs.

CareersPortal.ie is a centralised career guidance portal, established in 2008. Public and private organisations disseminate the most up-to-date information about career sectors, occupations, labour market information, and educational and training opportunities across all sectors of the economy. It is a resource available to 2nd & 3rd Level Students and Graduates, Adult Learners, Jobseekers and their Support Services, Parents and Guardians, Career Guidance Professionals and Teachers.

Courses.ie Courses within the Agriculture & Veterinary vary from Animal Science and Equine Studies to Aquaculture and Farm Science. There is a broad and interesting selection to choose from if working with animals is the route you'd like to take. Visit Courses.ie, which lists and promotes Agriculture & Veterinary programmes delivered by schools and colleges from around the country.

SOLAS is the State agency that oversees the building of a world class Further Education & Training (FET) sector in Ireland, developing skills to fuel Ireland’s future. FET is for everyone, is available in every community and offers a pathway to take you as far as you want to go.

Skills to Advance/Solas/Learning Works is a national initiative that provides upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees in jobs undergoing change and to those currently employed in vulnerable sectors. Skills to Advance aims to equip employees with the skills they need to progress in their current role or to adapt to the changing job market including micro credentials and green skills.

Generation Apprenticeship Unlike standard college courses, an apprenticeship allows you to earn money and become qualified while you are learning on-the-job, opening exciting and rewarding careers. There are several apprenticeships now available in the agriculture and horticulture sector.

Teagasc/Agriculture and Food Development Authority Teagasc deliver several Agriculture Courses. These further level courses are suitable for people who wish to make a career in agriculture. Teagasc QQI accredited courses are suitable for future farmers and for people seeking employment on farms and in the agri-food industry.

Teagasc Distance Education Green Cert Teagasc Agriculture and Food Development Authority - This course has been developed to meet the training requirements of graduates from other non-agricultural award programme who are interested in farming

Why not watch the below 2023 Teagasc webinar which explores a career in the land-based sector (agriculture, horticulture, equine & forestry). The webinar was hosted by a female student from Kildalton Agricultural College who progressed to a degree in SETU.

Mountbellew Agricultural College - Providing a comprehensive range of training programmes for those engaged in the agricultural and food-related sector. Programmes available at Mountbellew have been designed to promote understanding of specific topics, such as, rural enterprise and agri-business, environmental management and agricultural engineering. Mountbellew is a private college partnering with Teagasc and ATU in delivering a number of programmes from Level 5 to Level 8.

Home - Training (gurteencollege.ie) Gurteen College provides a high-quality education to students from across Ireland, our courses range from Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture through to Level 8 Honours Degree in Agricultural Science and Sustainability.

International Graduate Programme - Bord Bia / Irish Food Board At Bord Bia we believe in nurturing the next generation of talent, while experiencing the vastness of the world at large. All this while gaining a Masters qualification in Global Business Practice from UCD Smurfit Business School.

Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy offers up to 80% in fee reductions on over 14,000 course places.

National Tertiary Office – Tertiary degree courses are an additional route to third level education which do not require applicants to provide leaving certificate points. Courses are offered at further education colleges (fee free) and progress directly to partnered higher education colleges.

Agri Aware is the Irish agri-food educational body creating National awareness of the value of agriculture and farming, the stewardship of the rural environment, animal welfare and the benefits of nutritious Irish food. Agri Aware is a charitable trust funded by the farming and agri-food industry to deliver high impact educational and public awareness initiatives, building a more informed and engaged public through school programmes, events for the public and media campaigns.

Welcome EU Farmbook (eufarmbook.eu) - EU-FarmBook is a Horizon Europe project that is working at regional, national, and European (EU) levels to build an Online Platform. Gathering and sharing agriculture and forestry knowledge. EU-FarmBook is the answer to real needs of farmers, foresters and advisors. The Horizon Europe project offers an interactive, multi-lingual meeting place for agriculture and forestry communities, giving access to trustworthy knowledge objects according to findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) data principles. EU-FarmBook users can interact and explore innovative ways to solve their daily challenges.

Agriculture & Horticulture Training Courses/FRS Training FRS has been in the business of training since 1980. As an established and growing centre for learning FRS helps grow farm enterprises, people and careers through personal and professional development. FRS are a validated QQI, PHECC, SOLAS, ILM, City and Guilds and Lantra centre, providing certified training across many sectors.

FRS Farm Traineeship Fully funded by Laois and Offaly ETB, in conjunction with FRS Farm Services, this Farm Traineeship offers an invaluable opportunity to individuals who are keen to enter the farming sector, regardless of their previous agricultural work experience. The programme covers in-class lessons, practical training, and guaranteed work experience to prepare for jobs across several areas in farming. On completion, participants will have the skills and confidence to pursue a career on farm.

Tractor Driving Course for Women - FRS Training has partnered with young female farmer and farm influencer Sophie Bell to introduce a female only safe tractor driving course. The one-day course provides a female-focussed learning environment with hands-on learning and classroom learning. To book your place on the next course book now.

There are a range of financial and legal supports available for those working in the agriculture sector.

Farming and managing land - Citizens Information have a new dedicated webpage which hosts the key information around farming in Ireland including starting out in farming, grants and supports and retiring from farming.

Supports_for_Farmers.pdf - a new booklet developed by Teagasc and the Citizens Information Board

The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI)

The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), delivers a range of access to finance supports on behalf of the Government of Ireland for Farmers, Fishers, Foresters and Food Businesses. Current supports offer working capital and medium to long-term investment funding to businesses and agricultural enterprises including farmers, fishers, foresters and food businesses.

Several Irish Financial institutions also offer products to support the agri-food sector. Check out their offerings below:

Agriculture and Farming, Finance Support to Farmers AIB Business

Agriculture - Sectors Expertise/Bank of Ireland

Business Banking/Online Business Banking/PTSB

Irish League Of Credit Unions /The Irish League of Credit Unions

The National Enterprise Hub is a one-stop shop where you can easily find and learn about the range of government support programs available to Irish businesses. The Hub makes it easier than ever to access the resources and guidance you need to succeed.

The Department of Social Protection’s Farm Assist Scheme provides support to low-income farmers. To find out more information check out the presentation below:

Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) and related benefit entitlements for farmers and farm workers. For more information check out the presentation below:

State Pensions Information & Entitlements for the employed and self-employed active in the agriculture sector.

The Nursing Home Support Scheme – more commonly known as the “Fair Deal” Scheme provides financial support to help pay for the cost of nursing home care for elderly parents or relatives.

A guide to Farm Succession Planning is available on the Teagasc website. Always seek independent legal and financial advice when considering a farm succession plan. The Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine provides financial assistance towards the costs involved in succession planning. Apply for the Succession Planning Advice Grant (SPAG) here.

Sustainability is key to an economically viable and resilient agri-food sector in Ireland. This can be achieved through the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices and new technologies, and their impact on farm sustainability (economic, environmental and social). Women are more aware of sustainability concerns and are more inclined to innovate and diversify to ensure a farm enterprise operates in a sustainable way.

Food Vision 2030 recognises the potential role of women and young farmers as key enablers of improved farm sustainability.

FOOD VISION DAIRY GROUP – REPORT ON MEASURES TO MITIGATE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM THE DAIRY SECTOR 25 October 2022

FOOD VISION BEEF AND SHEEP GROUP - CHAIR’S PROGRESS REPORT 2 November 2022

Find out about the Sustainable Use Directive, the Teagasc National Farm Survey Sustainability report (2015) and research on Sustainabiltiy on the Teagasc website.

Bord Bia’s Origin Green Ireland Programme is Ireland’s pioneering food and drink sustainability programme, operating on a national scale, uniting government, the private sector and the full supply chain from farmers to food producers and right through to the foodservice and retail sectors. The programme is the worlds’ only national food and drink sustainability programme, and enables the industry to set and achieve measurable sustainability targets that respect the environment and serve local communities more effectively.

AgNav Bord Bia, Teagasc and ICBF are collaborating to create AgNav, a farmer-centric sustainability support framework which utilises the three agencies’ collective knowledge, data, support tools and other resources, to enable delivery against Climate Action Plan targets for the agri sector.

www.businessforbiodiversity.ie - encourage and incentivise Irish businesses to assess their impacts and dependencies on biodiversity. Established in 2022, Business for Biodiversity Ireland is driving the transition to a nature positive Irish economy, where activities enhance natural systems in addition to minimising impact, by harnessing the energy and innovation capacity of Irish businesses. Business for Biodiversity Ireland seeks to contribute to the realisation of Ireland’s Vision for Biodiversity .

Coillte - Ireland’s semi-state forestry company, is responsible for managing forested lands. It is the nation’s largest forester and producer of certified wood, a natural, renewable and sustainable resource. Coillte is also the largest provider of outdoor recreation space in Ireland, it enables wind-energy on the estate, processes forestry by-products and undertakes nature rehabilitation projects of scale. Coillte is part of a wider forestry sector, that together manages approximately 11% of Ireland's land, supports 12,000 jobs and contributes €2.3bn to the economy annually.

The CSO’s new online ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for key Agri-Environment Indicators. These indicators capture key metrics related to the sustainability and environmental performance of agriculture, while also recognising the essential role of natural ecosystems in supporting agricultural productivity. This new landing page contains the most up-to-date information on key themes including:

• Agricultural Land Use

• Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Condition

• Climate and Environmental Impact

• Economic and Social Development

• Resource Efficiency and Management of Natural Resources

• Soil Health

• Water Quality

The portal can be accessed at Agri-Environment Indicators - CSO - Central Statistics Office.

Other Diversification information resources:

Diversification - Teagasc Agriculture and Food Development Authority

Planning a Farm Diversification - Teagasc Agriculture and Food Development Authority

2024 - Farm Diversification and Innovation – What are your Options? - Teagasc Agriculture and Food Development Authority

How can you diversify your farm? - Free (farmersjournal.ie)

6 alternative ways for Irish farmers to use their land (rte.ie)

2024 - Sustainability performance of Irish farms in 2023 revealed - Teagasc Agriculture and Food Development Authority

The following resources are also helpful:

• https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/money-and-tax/tax/

• localenterprise.ie/Find-Your-Local-Enterprise-Office/

• www.ildn.ie

• gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-rural-and-community-development/

• www.localenterprise.ie/Documents-and-Publications/10-Step-Guide/

Marginal Abatement Cost Curve 2023 - Teagasc Agriculture and Food Development Authority - The new Teagasc MACC to assist farmers and the agriculture industry to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions, was launched on Wednesday, 12 July by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD, in Teagasc Ashtown, Dublin.

Farm Well Hub - Farm Well Hub is a community-driven initiative designed to support the mental and physical well-being of farmers. Providing practical resources, creating a space for open conversation, to help farmers across the country thrive and ensuring every farmer has access to the tools they need to manage their well-being, reduce stress, and tackle the unique challenges they face. Farm Well also provide regular information webinars on wellness, nutrition, mental health, social connection, addiction, isolation and loneliness in the farming community.

On Feirm Ground 2 – Engage Training - On Feirm Ground 2 is a training programme that equips agricultural professionals and service providers with skills, knowledge, and competencies to engage farmers on their health and wellbeing and to signpost farmers to appropriate support services.

Farmer HealthChecks - The Farmer Health Check programme, run by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and Croí, and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is a mobile health service offering free health assessments and tailored advice specifically for farmers and their families across the Republic of Ireland.

The programme provides a quick and comprehensive overview of your health, focusing on areas such as heart disease risk, early detection of diabetes, mental health, and wellbeing, as well as crucial information on prostate and skin cancer. You will also be informed about local support services available to you. Dates and venues for upcoming checks are available on the website.

Macra Na Feirme – Make the Moove is a mental health initiative providing awareness talks, awareness campaigns and training in partnership with UCD Agri Mental Health Group.

https://www.independent.ie/farming/legal-advice/women-are-often-invisible-labour-on-farm-how-a-new-project-aims-to-break-down-barriers-to-gender-equality/a1951132934.html

New Laois course to help women with careers in farming - Laois Live

Other/Supports for farmers publication launched - Teagasc/Agriculture and Food Development Authority

gov - Minister reaffirms commitment to supporting Women in Agriculture to Dairy Women Ireland (www.gov.ie).

From Fields to Future: FLIARA Champions Women's Innovations in Rural Europe - FLIARA Project

The Farming Week and AgriFocus - The weekly and fortnightly podcasts produced by the Agriland editorial team are among the Top 10 agri-podcasts in the Irish and UK charts

AgTech, an emerging sector for employment - Free (farmersjournal.ie) Mar 2024

Minister Heydon marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Ministers launch Action Plan arising from the National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture

Women Farmer Capital Investment Scheme

Minister McConalogue hosts Women in Agriculture Dialogue

CSO Farm Structure Survey 2023

Teagasc National Farm Survey

Teagasc National Farm Survey Small Farm Report

ESRI Gender and Labour Market Inclusion Report

www.cso.ie

ESRI Gender and Labour Market Inclusion Report click here.

Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming

The challenge of attracting young people into a career in farming is widely recognised, both at national and EU level. In Ireland, 7% of farmers are under 35 years of age and over 30% of farmers are over 65. Demographic challenges for the agricultural sector are not unique to Ireland as these figures are similar for the EU as a whole. The family farm is at the heart of agriculture in Ireland and supporting young farmers and facilitating generational renewal is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector.

In October, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, established a Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming. Mr. Aidan O’Driscoll chairs the Commission, comprising of a small group of people with relevant expertise and experience, which is adopting an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the complex factors involved. The Commission will also engage closely with stakeholders before issuing a report on options as part of the Food Vision 2030 process.

Agenda

Minutes of Meetings