A PhD researcher has examined how farmers’ perceptions and behaviours around wool could be improved in the future for it to used more sustainably in Ireland.

Jayne Harkness, a PhD researcher at Ulster University, displayed her research on 'behavioural pathways to sustainable wool production’, at the agriculture and land use conference run by Teagasc in Portlaoise last week.

With wool income struggling to cover the costs of shearing and poor handling and contamination of the wool taking place as a result, wool's potential has been continually undermined in Ireland.

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This project examined practical opportunities for wool to be used in more sustainable ways to prevent waste.

It also examining farmer perceptions and behaviours around wool and how these could be changed through knowledge transfer in the National Sheep Welfare Scheme and through other initiatives.

Gender equality in agriculture

Martina Roche, assistant professor and lecturer at Maynooth University, also presented her poster paper on the day, titled The gendered dynamics of succession planning in Ireland and pathways to gender equality in agriculture.

Her research focused on gathering quantitative and qualitative data on the profile of women in farming in Ireland to provide evidence for future policy interventions to advance gender equality in the agricultural sector.

Roche highlighted that just 13.4% farm holders in Ireland are female, compared to a European average of around 30%, and that women face much more barriers getting into farming and staying in it, compared to men.

She also pointed out that much of the work that women carry out on farms is invisibilised due to cultural and structural barriers.

From her research, she found that policy makers need to take a systems approach to advancing gender equality by integrating economic, social and environmental measures to achieve a shift in values and beliefs.

She also discovered that greater dialogue is required on including women in succession discussions to ensure the long-term sustainability of the farming sector.

Peatland restoration

Padraig Cronin, project manager with the Hen Harrier Project, discussed research he was involved with on a peatland restoration plan for a privately-owned site in west Limerick.

The main objective of the project was to raise the water level of the bog to rehabilitate it, providing a real-life example of how rewetting can be carried out for farmers, contractors, industry and other stakeholders.