Female farmers represent just 13.4% of farm holders in Ireland, a figure that has seen little growth since 1991. To ensure a sustainable future for Irish agriculture, there is a strong push to empower women in the sector, actively supported by ongoing research and policy initiatives.
In this week’s Blog, Nuala McGowan, ACA, CPA, AIA and founder of McGowan Accountancy Services explains that for women getting started, returning to the land, or expanding their operations, the sector offers a variety of targeted resources
Advisory & Education
Teagasc offers dedicated programs, networking groups, and specialized courses for women involved in agriculture, helping to bridge the gender gap in farm ownership and management.
National Research
The HER-SELF (Highlighting pathways to Empower Rural women to have Sustainable & Equitable Livelihoods in Farming) project, led by Maynooth University and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, provides in-depth data on the lived experiences of female farmers and works to inform national policy.
The United Nations officially declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026) to spotlight the essential roles women play in global agri-food systems. The year focuses on closing gender gaps, overcoming land tenure barriers, and improving financial and technical resources for women in agriculture.
Key Global & Local Initiatives
Global Campaigns: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is spearheading IYWF 2026 to raise awareness about women’s critical contributions to food security, nutrition, and poverty eradication.
Local Representation: In Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) marked International Women’s Day by announcing Carina Roseingrave of Co. Clare as the official IYWF 2026 Ambassador.
European Support: The European Commission launched the Women in Farming Platform to empower women in agriculture, foster equal opportunities, and share best practices across rural communities.
Upcoming Local Events & Networks
Irish Initiatives: The DAFM hosts ongoing events to support female entrepreneurship in rural areas, particularly through programs like ACORNS.
Local Skills Development: If you want to build your agricultural and growing skills, practical workshops are held at the Síolta Chroí food-growing workshops taking place in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.
Are you looking for networks or mentorship programs for women in Irish farming? Are you interested in grants and schemes specifically targeting female farmers? If so contact Nuala on (090) 66 25818 or email nuala@