Women in Irish Agriculture: Breaking Barriers and Driving Change
Introduction
For centuries, agriculture has been the backbone of rural life in Ireland, with women playing a vital, though often unacknowledged, role. From managing farms to sustaining rural communities, women have long contributed to the agricultural sector. Today, these contributions are becoming more visible and celebrated as women step into leadership roles, drive innovation, and challenge traditional stereotypes.
In this blog, we highlight the invaluable contributions of women in Irish farming, share inspiring success stories, and explore initiatives promoting gender equality in agriculture. As the sector evolves to meet global challenges, the role of women has never been more crucial.
The Evolving Role of Women in Irish Agriculture
Women’s involvement in agriculture in Ireland is growing steadily, reflecting a positive shift in the sector. According to the 2020 CSO Farm Structures Survey, women now account for 13% of farm holders, up from 11% a decade ago—a trend that signifies increasing recognition of women as farm owners and operators. However, the real impact of women extends beyond ownership statistics. Research shows that women are integral to decision-making on approximately 30% of farms, demonstrating their vital influence on farm management and operations, even when they are not formally listed as primary farm holders.
The scope of women’s contributions has also expanded beyond traditional roles. Increasingly, women are pursuing careers in agricultural science, agribusiness, and policy-making, areas traditionally dominated by men. Institutions like Teagasc, Ireland’s leading agricultural research and training authority, report growing female participation in their educational and research programmes, reflecting a demographic shift and signalling greater gender diversity in the sector’s future leadership.
Despite these advancements, significant barriers remain. Access to land remains one of the largest challenges, as inheritance practices often favour male successors, limiting opportunities for women to establish themselves as farm owners. Additionally, many women involved in farming are not formally recognised as primary operators, which affects their access to grants, subsidies, and decision-making platforms. These systemic issues highlight the need for focused initiatives to address inequality and unlock the full potential of women in Irish agriculture.
To sustain progress, it is crucial to continue building pathways for women to engage fully in all aspects of the agricultural sector. By addressing barriers and amplifying opportunities, Ireland can harness the talents and perspectives of women to strengthen and future-proof its agricultural landscape.
Inspiring Stories of Women Driving Change
1. Anne Moore: Sustainability Advocate
Anne Moore, a dairy farmer in County Kerry, is a pioneer in sustainability. Using regenerative practices such as no-till farming and rotational grazing, she has reduced her farm’s carbon footprint while improving soil health. Anne regularly hosts workshops for local farmers, sharing her expertise and encouraging others to adopt eco-friendly practices.
2. Deirdre O’Neill: Innovator in Agri-Tech
Deirdre O’Neill, an agri-tech entrepreneur, co-founded a start-up developing precision livestock monitoring systems. Her technology helps farmers monitor animal health and improve welfare while reducing costs. Deirdre’s innovation has been recognised by Enterprise Ireland, which awarded her funding to expand her business internationally.
3. The Women of Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA)
The ICA, one of Ireland’s oldest rural organisations, has been a cornerstone of empowering women in farming communities. Through its programmes, thousands of women have gained skills in farm management, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
These stories are just the tip of the iceberg, with countless women making transformative contributions to the agricultural sector across Ireland.
Challenges Facing Women in Agriculture
While women’s presence in farming is growing, they continue to face systemic barriers:
1. Limited Access to Land
In Ireland, the majority of farmland is passed down through male inheritance. This tradition limits opportunities for women to establish themselves as primary operators.
2. Lack of Formal Recognition
Many women working on family farms remain unrecognised in official capacities. They often undertake critical roles, from managing finances to handling livestock, yet they are not formally identified as farmers, impacting their eligibility for grants and subsidies.
3. Work-Life Balance
Agriculture is a demanding profession, and women often balance farming with caregiving responsibilities. The lack of flexible structures in farming can make it challenging for women to fully engage in leadership or innovation roles.
4. Gender Representation in Policy
Despite their growing numbers, women remain underrepresented in agricultural decision-making bodies. For example, women make up less than 20% of Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) committees, limiting their influence on sector-wide policies.
Initiatives Supporting Women in Agriculture
Several initiatives are working to address these challenges and promote gender equality:
1. ACORNS (Accelerating the Creation Of Rural Nascent Start-Ups)
This government-backed programme supports female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland, including those in agriculture. ACORNS provides mentoring, training, and networking opportunities, enabling women to grow their businesses.
2. Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group (WASG)
WASG advocates for policies that support women in farming, such as equal access to land, representation in decision-making bodies, and targeted funding schemes.
3. Teagasc Women in Agriculture Programme
Teagasc has launched initiatives to empower women in farming, including training programmes and leadership development courses. They also facilitate research on gender dynamics in agriculture.
4. EU Gender Equality Initiatives
At a broader level, the European Union has implemented programmes under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to encourage gender balance. These include grants for female farmers and incentives for gender-inclusive projects.
The Future of Women in Irish Agriculture
The future of Irish agriculture is increasingly female, and the sector stands to benefit significantly from the growing involvement of women. As leaders, innovators, and advocates, women bring diverse perspectives and approaches that are essential for tackling the modern challenges of climate change, sustainability, and food security. Their contributions can drive progress not only in farm management but also in shaping the policies and technologies that will define the agricultural landscape for generations to come.
Women as Drivers of Innovation
Women’s unique leadership styles and problem-solving abilities are particularly relevant in today’s agricultural context. Studies, such as those conducted by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), have shown that women tend to adopt more sustainable practices, prioritising resource conservation and biodiversity. These traits are critical as Ireland strives to meet its climate action targets, including reducing agricultural emissions by 25% by 2030.
For example, female farmers like Anne Moore, who integrate regenerative farming techniques such as cover cropping and carbon sequestration, are setting benchmarks for others to follow. Additionally, women-led ventures in agri-tech, like Deirdre O’Neill’s precision livestock monitoring system, are transforming farm efficiency and sustainability. Such innovations are not just reshaping Irish agriculture but are also gaining global recognition.
Conclusion
Women are at the heart of a transformative movement in Irish agriculture, driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Their increasing presence, from farm leadership to groundbreaking ventures in agri-tech, underscores the vital role they play in shaping the sector’s future.
However, as this progress continues, it is crucial to address systemic barriers such as limited access to land, lack of formal recognition, and underrepresentation in policy-making. Initiatives like ACORNS, WASG, and Teagasc’s Women in Agriculture Programme are making strides toward levelling the playing field, but more work remains to be done to ensure equal opportunities for all.
By investing in education, dismantling barriers, and celebrating the achievements of women in agriculture, Ireland can foster a sector that thrives on diversity and collaboration. Empowering women is not just a matter of equity—it is a strategic imperative for building a resilient and sustainable agricultural future. Together, through collective action and support, we can unlock the full potential of women in farming, ensuring their contributions shape a prosperous and inclusive future for Irish agriculture.
*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.