'Social and cultural barriers' to women’s participation in agriculture
Around 27% of the nearly 280,000 people working on farms in Ireland are female. Of the more than 130,000 farmholders, only 13% are female.
There are a "number of social and cultural barriers" to women’s participation in agriculture in Ireland that need to be addressed.
Marking International Women’s Day 2024, Irish Farmers' Association farm family and social affairs chairwoman Teresa Roche said that she wants to acknowledge the "important contribution" of women in agriculture.
Around 27% of the nearly 280,000 people working on farms in Ireland are female. Of the more than 130,000 farmholders, only 13% are female.
“Despite the important role they play, women farmers' contribution has traditionally been understated,” according to Ms Roche.
“Today, on International Women’s Day, I want to fully recognise their contribution both on the farm but also within their rural communities."
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
“It is so important for the future sustainability of farming and the wider agri-food sector that more women are empowered and supported to get involved in the sector," Ms Roche continued.
"There are a number of social and cultural barriers to women’s participation in agriculture that need to be addressed in order to effect change.
"We need to increase women’s visibility within the sector, to show younger women that there is a career for them in farming."
This year, the Department of Agriculture launched a National Women in Agriculture Action Plan.
The action plan was devised from the National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture held in 2023 which examined gender equality in farming and the wider agri-food sector, and how to increase the visibility and status of women in agriculture.
The outcomes of the dialogue were compiled into a report, including a range of recommendations arising from workshops held on the day.
Subsequently, a working group consolidated these recommendations into a 12-point action plan. The Women in Agriculture Working Group will continue to meet to monitor the progress of implementation, the department said.
Included in the action plan are a list of measures: increase promotion of agriculture as a viable career for women and young girls in primary and post-primary schools; promote and normalise female succession, including the consideration of any changes required to policy, taxation, legislation and DAFM schemes; and review procedures and processes in place for the inclusion of women on herd numbers.
The department as part of the action plan is also considering sponsoring a 'Women in Agriculture Innovation and Excellence Award' within an existing award programme to acknowledge and recognise those who are leading the way in the agri-food sector.
Minister of State Pippa Hackett said that on many farms across Ireland, "it is women who are thinking outside the box and we need to support that innovation as much as we can".
"I would encourage not only women in the industry but husbands and sons, brothers and uncles to look at this plan and consider how they can play their part on the ground," Ms Hackett said.
