Laois to host first national dialogue on women in farming

The role and future of women in Irish farming is set to be discussed at first National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture is set to be hosted in Laois.

The event will take place in Portlaoise on Wednesday, February 1, and will be chaired by former Tánaiste and former minister, Mary Coughlan.

Women account for some 13% of all farm holders in Ireland. At the same time, CSO data shows there are approximately 75,000 female farm workers in Ireland. This indicates that there are 58,000 women working in farming without visibility and without status as a farm holder.

Laois Offaly based Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity Pippa Hackett said she was delighted to say this National Conference is coming to Laois.

"Of course, that is St Bridget’s Day, herself a great champion of women, and I can’t think of a better day to ignite a cultural shift towards increased visibility and status of women in agriculture.

“Gender equality is central to policy, including the new CAP Strategic Plan and Food Vision 2030; now we need to see the shift on the ground. I am delighted that as a woman, a farmer and a Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, I am playing my role in bringing this national conversation to Laois,” said the Green Party Senator

 Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said Gender equality is a priority for me and the Government.

"The significant contribution of women to the agri-food sector in Ireland has not always been afforded the recognition it deserves and I have been working to address that issue,” he said.

The former agriculture Mary Coughlan will chair the event which is being hosted by the Department of Food, Agriculture and the Marine.

"This is going to involve all women in agriculture as well as those who just live in rural Ireland," he said.

The Dialogue should also ensure that it is interactive and inclusive and include farm walks, workshops and panel discussions where successful female farmers or joint female/male partnerships are already in operation.

Laois General Election candidate to direct events for women in Fianna Fáil

A commitment was made under Food Vision 2030 that a National Dialogue on women in agriculture would be undertaken.

Laois General Election candidate to direct events for women in Fianna Fáil

The Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group is an independent has lobbied since for the dialogue. They say the Dialogue should also ensure that it is interactive and inclusive and include farm walks, workshops and panel discussions where successful female farmers or joint female/male partnerships are already in operation.