Women Working in Agriculture and Rural Development Spotlighted in new CAP Network Ireland Publication ‘Women in Agriculture: Driving Change Under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan’
CAP Network Ireland launched a new publication, Women in Agriculture: Driving Change Under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, at the National Ploughing Championships at Screggan, Tullamore, from 16–18 September.
The booklet celebrates the essential but often under-recognised role that women play in Irish agriculture and rural life. Throughout history, women have made significant contributions to family farms, food production, animal care, and community leadership. Today, however, they remain underrepresented in Irish farming, with only 13 percent of farm-holders being female, according to the CSO Farm Structure Survey 2023.
This publication showcases the work of a number of women employed in various farming and farm-related roles across the country, and highlights both the challenges faced by women in agriculture and the significant progress being made under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027. The Plan includes targeted supports for women farmers, such as the Women Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS) under TAMS 3, which offers a 60 per cent grant rate to encourage on-farm investment. Also highlighted in the publication is the ACORNS programme, which supports female-led start-ups in rural Ireland. Together, these initiatives reflect a growing recognition that gender equality is central to the future of sustainable farming.
Claire Brennan, an agricultural advisor leading the ‘Making Farms Work for Women’ European Innovation Partnership (EIP) is one of the 12 women featured in the publication. Based in north Mayo, Claire and the EIP team are working to empower women farmers and encourage the next generation of female leaders and to tackle the under-representation of women in farming roles and enhance their involvement through innovative practices and solutions, training, and community support. “We want to organise workshops to encourage the involvement of young girls in farming at an early stage,” Claire said. “There is a higher likelihood of girls farming in the future when interest is nurtured at a younger age. There is still a belief bias that the male will be the future farmer and successor. However, often the female might be the more natural farmer,” according to Claire. She “would like to see more female leaders and stakeholders involved in the delivery of the next round of CAP at national and EU level“.
Carina Roseingrave, a full-time farmer on a mixed farm in the Burren, Co. Clare is also featured in the booklet. “Farming is a wonderful career that gives me flexibility around raising my kids and I’m out in the fresh air, but it wouldn’t be sustainable without CAP supports,” she said. Her suckler herd comprises pedigree Limousin and Charolais cows. She intends to apply for 60% support in the Women Farm Capital Investment Scheme under TAMS3 to build a modern shed for the herd. Carina would like to see the approval process for applications speeded up in the next CAP.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, said: “This publication is not just about individual success; it is about inspiration. It is about creating space for more women to see a future for themselves in farming, in leadership, and in shaping the rural communities we all value. It is also about acknowledging and learning from real experiences— grounded in hard work, vision, and a deep commitment to both land and place.“
James Claffey, Project Manager with CAP Network Ireland, added: “With this publication, CAP Network Ireland wants to shine a light on the work women are already doing, highlight the barriers that remain, and show the targeted supports now available under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan. By amplifying these voices, we hope to encourage more women to take leadership roles in farming and rural development and ensure that agriculture reflects the full talent and diversity of our communities.”
The booklet draws attention to the structural barriers still faced by women in agriculture, including restricted access to land ownership and finance, as well as cultural perceptions of farming as a male profession. It also highlights the need for cultural change, flexible supports such as childcare, and better data collection to ensure that progress can be measured and sustained.
By amplifying women’s voices and experiences, Women in Agriculture aims to inspire greater inclusion, visibility, and opportunity for women across Ireland’s farming sector.
The booklet is available to download on the CAP Network Ireland website: https://capnetworkireland.eu/publications/
CAP Network Ireland is co-funded by the European Union and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
For more information, visit: www.capnetworkireland.eu
