Women farmers in Northwest Ireland are advocating for gender equality in agriculture, coming together at a two-day event organized by Donegal ACRES. With only 13% of women having land holder status in Ireland, the event aimed to address the imbalance and highlight the crucial role women play in the sector.
Aileen Collery, the event organizer, emphasized the need for policy changes to level the playing field for women in farming. Discussions at the event included challenges such as low female farm holders, access to finance, and land issues.
Participants like Amy Forrest shared their aspirations of taking over family farms, showcasing the increasing opportunities for women in agriculture. Emma Curran, a sheep farmer, highlighted the importance of having women’s voices heard in the industry.
The event also celebrated success stories, including a significant percentage of women enrolling in agricultural courses. Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue expressed support for promoting female participation and gender balance in the sector.
With Ireland implementing measures to support equality in its CAP Strategic Plan, such as offering a 60% TAMS grant rate for women farmers, the country is taking proactive steps towards achieving gender balance in agriculture.