Calls for entries for the International Year of the Woman Farmer ambassador
The department is hosting a photo competition and is searching for its Irish female farming ambassador.
Applications are open for a female farmer ambassador to represent Ireland during the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF).
Launched by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation, the IYWF celebrates the pivotal roles played by women in sustaining agri-food systems, aiming to increase recognition and promote actions to close gender gaps in agriculture and improve women’s livelihoods worldwide.
Agriculture minister Martin Heydon said: “I strongly encourage women farmers across Ireland to apply to become our female farmer ambassador for 2026.
"Over the years, I have seen first-hand the incredible work done by women to support our agri-food sector, which makes me confident that we can expect a high calibre of entries to this competition.”
The competition is being run by the Department of Agriculture after the United Nations General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Applications are open until February 12 and can be submitted on the department’s website.
The winner will represent the department throughout the year by participating in events, media opportunities, and social media campaigns to encourage female participation in farming and provide insight into life as a female farmer in Ireland, via their own lived experiences.
The overall winner will be announced by Mr Heydon at a flagship IYWF event in Athlone, Co Westmeath, on March 5.
Shortlisted candidates will also be invited to participate in the event, which coincides with International Women’s Day.
There is also a photo competition under the IYWF banner, delivered in association with CAP Network Ireland, with the prize giving for winners of the competition also taking place on March 5.
The competition is looking for photo submissions from the public under the theme: ‘Empowered women transforming agri-food systems’.
There is a €200 prize for the winner of each of the five categories, with the overall winning photo featuring in CAP Network’s Ireland Women in Agriculture booklet.
Entry forms are available on the department's website and must be submitted by 3pm on February 16.
Following on from these initiatives, the Department will host information and networking events throughout the year, both nationally and internationally, to celebrate IYWF and highlight Ireland’s approach to improving gender equality in Irish agriculture.
Mr Heydon added: “Ireland’s co-sponsorship of the International Year of the Woman Farmer Official Launch Ceremony in December 2025, reinforces our commitment to recognising the vital role of women in all areas of agriculture.
"Despite their hard work and dedication, women continue to face barriers when accessing land, finance and training, and this year provides us with an international platform to highlight the issue of gender equality in agri-food systems.”
More information on the International Year of the Woman Farmer and the Department's Women in Agriculture initiatives can be found on the department’s website.
