The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) has called for targets to be set in the next Common Agricultural Policy to encourage more women into farming.

The number of women in receipt of farm payments in Ireland has remained almost static since 2012. Just 14,149 women received Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) money last year.

Figures among young farmers and organic farmers were also low, with women accounting for just 25% (819) of young farmers and 15% (182) of organic farmers.

The figures were revealed in a parliamentary question by Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson for agriculture, Charlie McConalogue.

Women face a variety of challenges in accessing farm opportunities.

Teagasc previously highlighted Scottish findings that said “the cultural norm of sons inheriting farms is very resistant to change”. The report noted that “women themselves often view [agricultural] training groups and programmes as being for men and [that they] feel ‘unwelcome and conspicuous in this space.’”

Outgoing European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan previously said that special provision should be made in the next CAP for young farmers and female farmers.

The NWCI is calling on the Department of Agriculture to include women in its development of the next CAP.

“We know that women are essential to innovation, they must be at the heart of generation renewal and are key to the future sustainability of farms across Ireland,” the NWCI said.

“We need to see women being explicitly named and targets set to increase female beneficiaries. CAP 2020 offers an opportunity to review the role of women in agriculture and their contribution to farm viability.”