ACRES Donegal announce events to will focus on the role of women in agriculture

The ACRES Co-operation team for Donegal have announced details of two events that will focus on the role of women in agriculture. 

The team have brought together a range of experts to discuss this important topic and showcase some of the work that women are doing in the sector. 

ACRES Project Officer Aileen Collery explains: “The 2020 Census of Agriculture in Ireland shows that women account for just 13% of all farm holders across the country. The Census also pointed to the fact that 58,000 women existed within Irish farming without visibility or farm holder status. Not only does this underrepresent the input of women in agriculture, it also negatively impacts their ability to avail of funding through agricultural schemes or lending institutes, and their ability to independently access support groups.”  

“These events run by our team at ACRES Donegal aim to discuss what the key issues are for women in farming, what challenges they face and what resources are needed to level the farming ‘playing field’. We are encouraging as many females farmers of all ages to join us on Tuesday 20 or Wednesday 21 August to have their voices heard. In particular, we very much welcome women from families which are already in the ACRES co-operation scheme so we can explore opportunities for further engagement.”

The discussion panel will include innovators such as Donna McDade, Donegal ETB, Training Services; Maureen Kilgore, agroforestry expert; Joanne Butler, organics and horticulture; Catherine Keena, Teagasc biodiversity expert; Henry O’Donnell, ACRES Programme manager and will be chaired by Gerard McDaid from ATU. 

Demonstrations will form an important element of the day too with the wonderful Louise Price on dry stone walling, Katie Smirnova and Anne Brown from Hedgerows Ireland, Anita Donaghy from Birdwatch Ireland, looking at birds on the farm and members of our own team including Trish Murphy (water quality), Aoife Moroney (birds), and Fiona Doherty. 

Aileen explained the great enthusiasm for the event so far: “We’ve had a wonderful response from our panel and demonstrators. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what is happening out there and for women to gather and share experiences and ideas – as well as some refreshments of course! You can register for the event through our website or directly through Eventbrite.” 

The events take place in two locations on 20th August is Roshin, Churchill, Letterkenny and 21st August, Leghowney Hall, Donegal Town from 10am to 4pm each day. More details about the event and a link to the registration can be found online.  The ACRES scheme is Co-funded by the European Union and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.