To mark International Women’s Day 2025, the European Commission Representation in Ireland, in collaboration with the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), is hosting a special event titled Women Step Into Farming. The event, taking place on Tuesday, March 4, will celebrate the invaluable contributions of Irish women in agriculture and highlight their role in shaping a more sustainable farming sector.
The event will feature an engaging panel discussion with prominent women from various sectors of agriculture and rural life, including:
- Ailbhe Gerrard—Farmer at Brookfield Farm and member of the ACORNS community.
- Dr. Anne-Marie Butler—Head of Education, Teagasc.
- Karen McCabe—Farmer and writer.
- Dr. Maura Farrell—Lead Coordinator of the FLIARA Project (Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas).
The discussion will be moderated by Stella Meehan, editor of Agriland in Ireland, and will explore the success stories of women in farming, the challenges they face, and the opportunities available for fostering a more inclusive and innovative agricultural sector in Ireland.
The ACORNS Programme: Supporting Rural Female Entrepreneurs
A key feature of the event will be the recognition of initiatives that empower women in agriculture and rural business, such as the ACORNS programme. ACORNS provides structured mentorship and networking support to early-stage female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland, helping them launch and grow their businesses. Over the years, ACORNS has played a significant role in boosting rural women’s entrepreneurial success, with its latest cohort increasing collective turnover by 43% in just six months.
FLIARA: Advancing Women-Led Innovation in Agriculture
The FLIARA project, supported by Horizon Europe, is dedicated to advancing female-led innovation in agriculture and rural areas across Europe. By addressing the challenges faced by women in these sectors and developing practical tools and policy recommendations, FLIARA aims to ensure that women are better supported in creating sustainable and forward-thinking farming practices. Dr. Maura Farrell, the project’s lead coordinator, will contribute her expertise to the panel discussion, shedding light on key findings from FLIARA’s work and its relevance to Ireland’s agricultural landscape and Europe.
Event Details
The event will commence with opening remarks by Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine in Ireland, followed by the panel discussion and a networking lunch.
Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Location: European Commission Representation in Ireland
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (followed by a light lunch)
If you would like to attend, please register by emailing COMM-IE-RECEPTION@ec.europa.eu by February 14, 2025.
FLIARA is proud to be part of this important conversation and looks forward to celebrating the remarkable contributions of women in Irish farming. To learn more about this activity please visit: https://ireland.representation.ec.europa.eu/news-and-events/events-ireland-european-commission/panel-discussion-women-step-farming-2025-03-04_en