Teagasc announce national conference celebrating women in agriculture
(Left to right): Stan Lalor, Teagasc director of knowledge transfer, Carina Roseingrave, ambassador for International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, Anne Kinsella Teagasc economist, Loreto Ferguson, Teagasc business delivery officer, and Professor Frank O’Mara, director of Teagasc.
A new national conference recognising women in farming to mark International Year of the Woman Farmer will take place this October in Co Offaly.
‘Growing Voices, Women in Farming’ is a national conference being organised by Teagasc to mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer, and will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at the Tullamore Court Hotel, County Offaly.
Women and men from across Ireland's farming community are invited to come together for Growing Voices 2026, a national conference promoting the contribution of women in agriculture while exploring the opportunities, challenges and future of farming.
The event will bring together farmers, advisors, researchers and industry leaders for a day of knowledge sharing, practical learning and networking.
Hosted by MJ Cleary, presenter of Countrylife on Midlands Radio 3, ‘Growing Voices’ aims to support women at every stage of their farming journey, from students and new entrants to established farmers, successors, farm partners and agri-business owners.
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Whether you're farming full-time, working alongside family or exploring new opportunities, the conference offers practical insights, fresh ideas and valuable connections to help shape your future in agriculture.
The conference is also aimed at families and male farmers to assist in seeking opportunities and pathways for encouraging female successors into farming and farm businesses.
The conference programme features speakers from across Irish and international agriculture, including Sophie Bell, full-time farmer and content creator, Dr Erika Valério, gender and agrifood expert with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Carina Roseingrave, International Year of the Woman Farmer ambassador 2026 as well as farmers, advisors and entrepreneurs who will share their experiences, insights and practical advice.
There will be keynote speeches and panel discussions covering topics such as getting into farming, building a successful farm business and creating opportunities beyond the farm gate.
There will also be interactive breakout sessions to allow participants the opportunity to choose practical topics most relevant to them, including succession and collaborative farming, supports for women farmers, diversification and new income opportunities, as well as farm finance, tax and legal matters.
The aim is to show practical tools and opportunities to current and aspiring female farmers to advance into farming and to be recognised for the important role that they already do and can develop in the future.
Beyond the conference is also an opportunity to connect with women from across Irish agriculture, exchange ideas, build new networks and celebrate the growing role of women in shaping the future of the sector.
Speaking ahead of the event, director of knowledge transfer at Teagasc, Dr Stan Lalor, said: "This conference, ‘Growing Voices’, is about recognising the vital role women play across Irish agriculture and creating a space where they can share experiences, learn from one another and gain practical knowledge to support their farming journey.
"Whether you're taking your first steps into farming or have years of experience, this conference offers something for everyone."
For more information and to register for the event, visit Teagasc’s website.
