Ireland’s gov.ie platform has highlighted a renewed national push on women in agriculture, bringing sharper focus to equality, visibility and opportunity across the farming sector. The latest update from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine outlines how women in agriculture are being supported through policy, education, leadership initiatives and new public events tied to the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.
The update reflects a wider Government commitment to gender equality across rural Ireland, supported by policy areas spanning Agriculture, Education, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Social Protection and Health. It also aligns with EU priorities under the Common Agricultural Policy and with broader public-sector efforts seen across bodies such as the CSO, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Citizens Information Board.
Women in Agriculture gains momentum in Ireland
The Department says women farmers are vital to food security, rural resilience and the long-term sustainability of the agri-food economy. Yet official data shows a persistent representation gap.
According to the CSO Census of Agriculture 2020, women made up 13% of farm holders. The CSO Farm Structure Survey 2023 showed only a slight rise to 13.2%, even though women accounted for a much larger share of total farm workers. That imbalance has become a central issue in the national conversation around women in agriculture, especially because farm holder status can influence access to grants, schemes, training and recognition.
- 2020: women accounted for 13% of farm holders
- 2023: women accounted for 13.2% of farm holders
- 2023: women represented 34% of total farm workers
The Department’s position is clear: improving visibility, equality and status for women in agriculture must be built into future agricultural policy.
New platform and International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026
A major development is the European Commission’s new Women in Farming Platform, launched to strengthen equal opportunities, encourage collaboration and share best practice across rural communities. The initiative arrives ahead of the UN-declared International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, which will spotlight women’s contributions across agrifood systems worldwide.
Ireland has backed the international designation and plans to use 2026 to showcase female farmers and agri-entrepreneurs through targeted events, policy supports and public recognition. The Department says this work will help address barriers women may still face in accessing land, finance and training.
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Photo competition and ambassador search
As part of the 2026 programme, the Department is promoting a national photo competition in partnership with CAP Network Ireland. The goal is to improve female-focused imagery in farming and agri-food communications, with a theme centred on empowered women transforming agrifood systems.
An ambassador competition is also seeking an inspiring female farmer to represent Ireland nationally and internationally during 2026. In addition, a flagship conference is planned for 5 March to coincide with International Women’s Day.
Policy supports under CAP and national action plans
The CAP 2023-2027 framework includes measures intended to strengthen women in agriculture in practical ways. These include a higher 60% grant rate under the Capital Investment Scheme for trained women farmers, women-only Knowledge Transfer Groups and improved collection of gender-related data.
These measures complement wider initiatives linked to Food Vision 2030, the National Women in Agriculture Action Plan and stakeholder engagement across the sector. While agencies such as the Revenue Commissioners, Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), Health Service Executive (HSE) and An Garda Síochána are not directly agricultural bodies, they form part of the wider State landscape affecting taxation, employment rights, wellbeing and safety in rural life.
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Nationwide events focused on wellbeing
A series of free evening events is also planned in Roscommon, Offaly and Clare. The discussions will focus on:
- farm health, safety and wellbeing
- education pathways in agriculture
- financial awareness and funding opportunities
- farm diversification, including tourism and artisan food
This practical emphasis recognises that women in agriculture often balance enterprise, caregiving and community roles at the same time.
What this means for the future
The latest update shows women in agriculture are moving closer to the centre of Irish farming policy, not the margins. With stronger CAP supports, a new EU platform, public events and the visibility of International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, Ireland is signalling that female participation is essential to the future of farming. The key takeaway is simple: backing women in agriculture is not only an equality issue, but a food security, rural development and economic resilience priority for Ireland.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
