A Dublin conference on the future of farming has heard how the policy work developed through the FLIARA project is already influencing Europe’s rural debate, even though the project ended in December 2025. The discussion, held as Ireland marks its EU Presidency, focused on women in agriculture, generational renewal and food security.
Policy focus
The Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Agriculture took place in Dublin Castle on Monday 27 July, hosted by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food. It brought together lawmakers, policymakers and sector representatives under the theme: “Securing the future of farming, from policy to practice. Generational renewal, women in agriculture and food security.”
Across the day, delegates examined policy approaches to women’s participation in farming, examples of best practice from across Europe and the lived experience of those working in rural communities. Associate Professor Maura Farrell, coordinator of the FLIARA project, took part in the final session and placed the project’s findings at the centre of the debate.
Women in farming
FLIARA worked across 10 EU countries and supported women in farming and rural communities. Speaking at the conference, Prof. Farrell said interviews carried out under the project found that 98.7% of the women involved had a strong environmental ethos, adding that women were “the secret weapon” in efforts to protect the environment in agriculture.
She also said generational renewal could not be separated from the position of older farmers, arguing that policy must reflect the reality of farming as a way of life, not just an occupation. The project’s recommendations are now feeding into wider debate on how to support women in agriculture and strengthen the long-term future of rural communities.
Lasting impact
Although the project has ended, its findings continue to shape policy discussions at European level. By highlighting the role of women in environmental stewardship, innovation and generational renewal, FLIARA has helped put rural women at the centre of the conversation about the future of farming.
Photography notice: Images used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence (CC BY 4.0), with credit to the Houses of the Oireachtas.