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From:Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, today opened the Tullamore Show, at Butterfield Estate, Blueball, Co. Offaly. Celebrating 35 years of agricultural excellence, this year’s show has a special focus on generational renewal and farm succession.

To coincide with the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 Minister Heydon launched the Gender Inclusive Communication Guide for the Agriculture sector. The guide, produced as part of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan, seeks to promote the use of more inclusive language and imagery in agricultural communications. The guide has been designed to assist stakeholders to be more gender balanced and inclusive in their communications.

Minister Heydon recognised the significant, but often unrecognised, contribution women make to Ireland’s agri- food sector. The CSO’s Farm Structure Survey 2023 showed women account for some 13.2% of the 133,174 farm holders in Ireland and circa 34% of the 299,725 total farm workers. The under-representation of women poses a challenge to achieving gender equality in the sector. The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to supporting their participation and leadership:

“Advancing the role of women in agriculture is a key priority for me and is a commitment in the Programme for Government. Women are central to the continued success of Irish agriculture, and their contribution deserves to be recognised and placed on an equal footing with that of male farmers. Gender balanced communications ensure that modern Irish farming is represented accurately, inclusively and fairly. By writing about and depicting images of men and women farmers, foresters and fishers, we can help break down stereotypes, encourage greater participation and support a stronger, more representative future for Irish farming. I encourage all stakeholders to embrace more gender-balanced and inclusive communications and imagery to reflect those working in Irish agriculture and to create a more inclusive sector for all.”

The Minister also congratulated International Year of the Woman Farmer Ambassador, Carina Roseingrave, on her participation in a panel discussion entitled “Celebrating The Role of Women in Agriculture” which took place at the Speakers Corner in the Sustainable Livestock Village, where she represented women farmers across the country, highlighting the vital role they play in shaping the future of Irish farming.

Speaking following the event, the Minister said:

"I want to commend Carina for her contribution to today's panel at the Tullamore Show. Her knowledge, experience and passion for farming were evident throughout the discussion. As our ambassador for the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Carina has been doing an excellent job of keeping the spotlight on this important issue, representing women farmers and educating others on the importance of women to our Irish food systems”

"Women are at the heart of Irish agriculture. Events such as today’s provide an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and recognising the expertise that exists across our farming communities. It is particularly encouraging to see women taking leading roles in these conversations and helping to shape the future direction of Irish agriculture."

The Gender Inclusive Communication Guide can be downloaded here:Communications Guide.

Further information regarding Women in Agriculture and the National Action Plan is available fromWomen in Agriculture.