A nationwide series of evening events celebrating the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 has been announced by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon.

The events are designed in consultation with the Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group (WASG), Dairy Women Ireland (DWI), Macra na Feirme and International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 ambassador Carina Roseingrave.

Minister Heydon stated: "As we celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer, these collaborative events will examine important issues such as education, finance and diversification for women in the agri-food sector, while also addressing the important areas of farm health, safety and wellbeing."

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The theme of the events is farm health, safety and wellbeing, with the first event scheduled to take place during National Farm Safety Week.

Events will feature a panel discussion focused on physical health, mental resilience and farm safety, addressing the unique occupational hazards and caregiver pressures faced by women in farming and exploring other important themes such as:

  • Education pathways – expanding agricultural knowledge and highlighting education options and the rising enrolment of women in agricultural programmes.
  • Financial awareness – providing guidance on planning and managing farm finances and making the best of funding opportunities.
  • Farm diversification – exploring how women are successfully introducing new revenue streams to family farms, such as rural tourism and artisan food production.

    • "Vibrant rural communities are crucial to the modern agricultural landscape and depend on giving women equal visibility and opportunity on the land," Minister Heydon said.

    "By highlighting accessible education pathways, financial awareness and farm diversification alongside core safety training, we are equipping women to grow and innovate on farm. Women’s increased participation and recognition in agriculture is crucial to future economic, environmental and social sustainability and in promoting generational renewal."

    Scheduled events

  • Thursday 23 July 7pm – Abbey Hotel, Co Roscommon.
  • Thursday 3 September 7pm – Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co Offaly.
  • Thursday 12 November 7pm – Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, Co Clare.

    • Admission is free of charge, but prior registration is required.

    Registration is now open and full schedules, venue details and booking links can be accessed at International Year of the Woman Farmer series.